Why Is My Child a Picky Eater?

It can take time for children with autism to adjust to new foods and textures.

It’s common for kids on the autism spectrum to have problems with eating. An estimated 46–89% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have feeding problems (Baraskewich et al, 2021). Many parents of children on the autism spectrum struggle with their child’s severe eating problems with little or no professional help. Kids with autism may experience a number of different issues with food and it can cause a lot of conflict at mealtime. However, there is often more to this equation that needs to be sorted out in order to get our kids eating healthy and whole foods.

What may cause food aversion? If we understand what causes picky eating, then we can begin to address these issues and start to reverse the problem. One of the probable causes can be sensory issues. Children with autism may be more sensitive to certain textures, smells, and tastes than their peers (Nimbley et al, 2022). Furthermore, they may find certain foods overwhelming or unpleasant, and may avoid them altogether. Sensory issues can also lead to anxiety. Which may cause the child to have food aversion. Another reason can be that your child might have preference for routine and predictability. This rigidity might stop the child from exploring different types of food. Lastly, medical problems such as delayed oral motor function & gastrointestinal issues can make the child associate food negatively (Steigler, 2005).

You may wonder how you might be able to help your picky eater. Different children may need different strategies, and you may need time to try out what works for them. Here are some ways that can help both the child and caregiver. 

Firstly, stay calm and persistent. It can take time for children with autism to adjust to new foods and textures . Be patient and persistent in your efforts to introduce new foods (Nimbley et al, 2022). Offer small amounts of new foods alongside familiar foods, and encourage your child to try them. Don't force your child to eat anything they don't want to, but keep offering new foods and flavours over time. 

Secondly, use visual aids and social stories to prepare your child when introducing new food. This helps the child to be prepared and reduce feeling overwhelmed (Rowell, & McGlothlin, 2015). 

Another way to expose your child to new food is having meals together. When you share regular meals and snacks with your child, you model healthy eating habits and a varied diet for your child. You also avoid rewarding fussy eating behaviour with separate or special meals. When you’re using this approach, give your child food that you know they’ll eat as well as new foods. In addition to that, make mealtime fun and engaging. 

Use colourful plates and utensils, and involve your child in meal preparation and planning. Playing with a new food is another way to build familiarity and decrease mealtime anxiety. Together, try painting with pasta sauce. Use veggies to make faces on pizza. Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into fun shapes. While you’re playing, let your child see you taste — and enjoy — the food (Rogers et al, 2012). 

Lastly, seek professional help. If your child's picky eating is causing significant problems, it may be helpful to seek professional support. A registered dietitian can help you develop a nutritionally balanced meal plan that takes your child's preferences and sensitivities into account. A behavioural therapist can help your child overcome their anxiety and develop a more positive relationship with food.

Picky eating is a common problem for many children with autism, but it doesn't have to be a lifelong struggle. With patience, persistence, and professional support, children with autism can learn to enjoy a wide variety of foods and flavours, and develop the skills they need to make healthy choices for life.

References

Unknown Author. (2018, November 30). Picky eater today [Image]. Retrieved from https://s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/media.mamahood.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/30023936/picky-eater-today-160414-tease_65ff77583cddc66cebc809722aa1abf4.jpg

Baraskewich, J., von Ranson, K.M., McCrimmon, A., & McMorris, C.A. (2021). Feeding and eating problems in children and adolescents with autism: A scoping review. Autism, 25(6), 1505-1519. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361321995631.

Rogers, L. G., Magill-Evans, J., & Rempel, G. R. (2012). Mothers’ challenges in feeding their children with autism spectrum disorder—Managing more than just picky eating. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 24, 19-33.

Nimbley, E., Golds, L., Sharpe, H., Gillespie‐Smith, K., & Duffy, F. (2022). Sensory processing and eating behaviours in autism: A systematic review. European Eating DisordersReche-Olmedo, L., Torres-Collado, L., Compañ-Gabucio, L.M., & Garcia-de-la-Hera, M. (2021). The role of occupational therapy in managing food selectivity of children with autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review. Children, 8(11), Article 1024. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8111024. Review, 30(5), 538-559. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2920.

Rowell, K., & McGlothlin, J. (2015). Helping your child with extreme picky eating: A step-by-step guide for overcoming selective eating, food aversion, and feeding disorders. New Harbinger Publications.

Steigler, L.N. (2005). Understanding pica behavior: A review for clinical and education professionals. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 20(1), 27-38. https://doi.org/10.1177/10883576050200010301.