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Why do individuals with autism only eat certain foods?
We all have food preferences—whether it’s favoring certain flavors, textures, or preparation methods or avoiding some foods altogether. For picky eaters with autism, these preferences can extend beyond mere likes and dislikes, often influenced by sensory sensitivities inherent to the condition.
Does this mean autism causes picky eating? Not exactly. However, specific characteristics associated with autism can make individuals more prone to selective eating, impacting their relationship with food.
If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child with autism struggling to introduce new foods into their diet, you’re not alone. In this blog from ABA Centers of Connecticut, we’ll explore what it means to be picky eaters with autism, the causes behind it, and strategies to encourage a more balanced diet.
What is Picky Eating in Autism?
Picky eating refers to selective eating habits where a child prefers a limited variety of foods, often rejecting new or unfamiliar options. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), picky eating can be more intense, driven by sensory sensitivities, routines, or difficulty with change. These children might have strong preferences for certain textures, colors, or tastes, making mealtimes a challenge for families.
According to the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, between 46% and 89% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have feeding problems, such as picky eating, food rituals, and a limited diet. These issues often begin early in childhood and can lead to inadequate nutrient intake, mealtime struggles, and increased parental stress.
Moreover, the American Academy of Pediatrics, in a follow-up study, researchers revisited children with ASD after about six years to see if their food selectivity persisted. The results showed that food selectivity tends to continue over time, which emphasizes the need for extra support not to affect their nutrition.
Why Does Picky Eating Happen in Autism?
As we stated at the beginning of this blog, children are not picky eaters because of autism exactly, but several factors contribute to many individuals having these types of picky behaviors, including:
Sensory Sensitivities: One of the main traits present in autism is the sensory sensitivity to different things; children with autism experience heightened sensitivities to textures, smells, and tastes. Foods that feel too crunchy, mushy, or have strong odors can trigger discomfort, leading to refusal.
Need for Routine: Generally, individuals with autism need a routine to make their day-to-day life more predictable. In the case of mealtimes, familiar foods provide comfort, while new or different foods can cause distress, disrupting their sense of predictability.
Difficulty with Change: Trying new foods requires flexibility, which can be challenging for children on the spectrum. Introducing something unfamiliar may feel overwhelming, leading to resistance or anxiety.
Communication Challenges: Another characteristic of autism is when individuals may have difficulty expressing either their preferences or discomfort, which can make interaction difficult. In these cases, many individuals with ASD react with stress behaviors, rejection, and even tantrums or withdrawal during meals.
Picky Eating vs. Food Preferences
It’s important to distinguish between typical food preferences and the more restrictive patterns seen in picky eaters with autism. While most children might favor certain foods over others, picky eating in autism can be more rigid, with a limited diet that may exclude entire food groups. This behavior can affect not only the child’s nutritional intake but also their social experiences and family dynamics around meals.
Strategies to Address Picky Eaters with Autism
Seeing your child refuse to eat foods that may be essential to their nutrition is complex. However, once you have ruled out any gastrointestinal problems or other underlying issues, there are always strategies we can apply to expand our children’s diet with patience and consistency gradually.
Here are some strategies that can make a significant difference:
1. Gradual Exposure
Introducing new foods slowly and consistently can help reduce anxiety. Start with small portions of new foods alongside familiar ones. Over time, this can help desensitize your child to the new textures or flavors.
2. Positive Mealtime Environment
Creating a calm and positive atmosphere during meals can encourage your child to explore new foods. Avoid pressuring them to eat, as this can increase anxiety. Instead, offer gentle encouragement and praise for any small steps toward trying new foods.
3. Sensory Integration Techniques
Incorporating sensory play with food outside of mealtimes can help children become more comfortable with different textures and smells. This non-threatening exposure can ease the sensory challenges they face during meals.
4. Consistency and Patience
Consistency is key to achieving change and creating new habits, especially for individuals with selectivity. So, it is essential to maintain a routine and offer new foods multiple times, as it can take several exposures before a child feels comfortable enough to try them.
5. Offering Choices
Giving your child some control over what they eat can empower them and reduce resistance. Offer two or three options, ensuring that all choices are nutritionally balanced.
ABA Therapy can Address Picky Eating
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a proven approach that helps children with autism develop skills and positive behaviors, including healthier eating habits. ABA therapists work closely with families to create personalized strategies that address the unique needs of each child. By identifying the underlying causes of picky eating behaviors, ABA therapy can help children expand their food preferences and develop healthier eating habits.
Get Support From ABA Centers of Connecticut
We know that raising a child on the spectrum is a never-ending learning curve that involves many challenges, from their education, specific needs, and understanding their preferences without affecting their well-being. However, we also know and have witnessed many families thrive as they patiently and supportively manage to support their children’s needs.
At ABA Centers of Connecticut, we have proven to be that support for families in Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, Norwalk, and surrounding areas by creating a supportive environment with quality autism services such as diagnosis, early intervention, and personalized ABA therapy programs.
If you’re ready to explore how ABA therapy can help your child overcome picky eating and other challenges, call us at (844) 395-0448 or contact us online. Let’s create a brighter and healthier future for your family.
