We all have foods that we don’t like. Whether it’s an off putting taste, look, smell or texture or even the idea of how that food came to be, it’s ok to say no to certain foods. The problem comes when eaters get so picky that they aren’t getting the necessary nutrients they need to be healthy. Today, let’s talk about why kids with autism can be picky eaters and how to help them.
Why so picky?
Every kiddo with autism is different, but it is super common for them to have sensory differences. Of all things in this world, eating may be the most sensory driven thing we do. Every one of our five senses is engaged in the process of eating. If sensory input overwhelms you, eating is almost guaranteed to have some effect.
What can we do about that?
First and foremost, remember that this will be a process. It takes time to get comfortable with something that is overwhelming. The fist step is to try to figure out the overwhelming input. We jump to thinking that taste is the issue, but that may not always be the case.
- Does the food have a specific smell?
- What is the texture like?
- Does it make any noise when eaten?
- Are we eating it with a utensil or with our hands?
If you notice that similar textures yield a similar result, you know that may be the issue. Perhaps it’s not the food at all but the feeling of a metal utensil. Getting that baseline will really help the next steps in the process.
Introducing new foods
Once you have determined if there is a specific food or type of food that causes problems, you can begin to try new things.
Our friends at Therapy 2000 taught us about the idea of a safe food. Is there one thing you know your child will eat every time? Do they dip everything into ketchup and suddenly it’s ok to eat? That food or that ketchup are safe for them. They know what to expect, what it will taste like and what it feels like. It’s a security blanket on a plate. So, keep that food on their plate!
I hear you saying, “but then they aren’t trying anything new!” We aren’t saying to only give them that food. Instead, make that a part of their meal. Let them feel safe, and they will likely explore the other food on their plate over time.
Play time!
The next step we suggest is to let your kiddo explore their food in lots of different ways. We’ve all been told not to play with our food, but in actuality, playing with your food can have huge benefits! It reduces anxiety around food, pairs food with positive feelings, and can increase the curiosity to give it a taste. It takes some patience and lots of napkins, but letting your kiddo play with their food can be incredibly helpful.
Praise!
The last step is to praise, praise, and praise some more! It is so easy to get frustrated at meal time. You worked hard on a dinner and your kiddo won’t touch it, or worse, throws a tantrum and the food ends up on the ground. But we have to celebrate the small victories. Phrases like “good job taking a bite!” or “I love how you used your fork!” should be used often and with excitement. Over time, the association with the positive behavior will happen.
Be patient
We said it above, but this is a process. It is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. Take joy in the small victories and try to let the hard things slide. It could take many months to see real progress so consistency is key. Keep the safe foods on the plate, let them play, and praise them for what they do well, and you should have a less picky eater in the near future.
As always, if you need more help, The Helm is just a phone call away!