Autistic kids tend to be fussy eaters. They may protest when made to try new foods or insist on eating the same thing over and over again at each meal. They have limited food choices or exhibit strong, even aggressive, dislike of certain foods, or smells or textures of foods. They may be constipated due to narrowed food choices and gastrointestinal issues. Parents should not not give up and remind them that it’s important to keep working with your child on what they are eating and their eating habits.
All children need well-balanced diets with foods full of vitamins, healthy fats (omega-3s), protein, and calcium to help their brains develop and bodies grow strong. Some ways to improve their eating habits are:
- Lean into their pickiness- Take your child to the grocery store with you and make it a fun adventure to let them pick out a new fruit or vegetable, and then perhaps even let it sit on the counter for a few days so they can study it–touch it, smell it, etc. Then have your child research popular recipes featuring the new food and have them help you prepare it to their liking.
- Make mealtimes routine, and even boring- Eliminate things around the kitchen that could distract them from eating and finishing, such as the television or computers, cell phones, bright lights, pets, or noisy appliances.
- Be cautious about restrictive diets and/or seek guidance from a registered nutritionist- Many parents claim that a gluten or casein-free diet can help lessen autism symptoms. Gluten is found in wheat and other grain products, and casein is found in dairy—both are thought to have negative effects on brain function in those with autism. However there are conflicting reports about the diet. This diet mostly helps in kids with gastrointestinal issues. The help of a registered dietician will help you fill in the gaps where they might be missing out on a restrictive diet