Selective Eating in Children With Autism (2021)
Table of Contents
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Managing Selective Eating in Children with Autism
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Seek Professional Help: If your child has autism and is experiencing selective eating habits or limited food choices, it's important to seek help from a team of professionals, including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, and medical providers.
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Address Nutritional Concerns: Work with a registered dietitian to ensure your child's diet is nutritionally balanced, especially if they have limited food preferences. Consider checking labs for common deficiencies like iron, zinc, vitamin D, and others.
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Establish Eating Patterns: Encourage regular meal and snack times spaced about two and a half to three hours apart to promote consistent eating habits and adequate calorie intake.
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Consider Communication Strategies: For non-verbal children or those with limited verbal abilities, explore alternative communication methods such as picture exchange communication systems or augmentative communication devices.
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Manage Anxiety: If anxiety is impacting your child's eating habits, consider working with behavioral specialists or psychologists to address anxiety around food and introduce new foods gradually.
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Introduce New Foods Gradually: Use resources like books or websites focused on introducing new foods, such as "Anxious Eaters, Anxious Mealtimes" by Marsha Dunn Klein, to help with introducing healthy food choices to your child with autism.
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Consider Weight Management: If your child has gained weight during the pandemic and has a limited palate, consider seeking support from a child wellness clinic or a dietitian to address weight management and introduce healthier food choices.
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Utilize Available Resources: Take advantage of resources provided by experts in the field, online resources, and support groups to help navigate and address selective eating habits in children with autism.
By following these steps and seeking support from a multidisciplinary team, you can effectively manage selective eating habits in children with autism and promote healthier eating behaviors.