Most parents can recall a time when their child has had temper tantrums over food or refused to eat their greens. After all, it’s common for children to show some fussy eating tendencies as they navigate new foods.
For parents of children on the autism spectrum, however, issues around food can be far greater and more complex.
sensory sensitivities, where they prefer foods with certain textures such as crunchy or soft foods.
preferring routines, where they want food at the same time each day.
finding it hard to try new experiences, including new foods.
finding it hard to sit still during mealtimes.
poor oral motor skills. This is common in children that have a strong preference for soft foods, and have therefore not developed the oral muscles to chew tougher foods.
being focused on how food is presented rather than how it tastes.
only wanting to eat certain types of foods.
Rigid or selective eating behaviours associated with ASD may impact nutrition intake.1,2 If you have concerns regarding your child's eating behaviours, a GP or dietitian can provide advice and strategies to manage your child's nutritional intake.
You may also consider supplementing your child's diet with a liquid oral nutrition supplement such as PediaSure Ready-to-Drink. PediaSure Ready-to-Drink may help you provide texturally consistent, complete and balanced nutrition to your child with sensory sensitivities.
PediaSure is a Food for Special Medical Purposes. Use only under medical supervision.
References: 1. Raising Children. Fussy eating: autistic children and teenagers. Available at: https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/health-wellbeing/eating-concerns/eating-habits-asd (Accessed 21 November 2022). 2. Child Mind Institute. Autism and Picky Eating. Available at: https://childmind.org/article/autism-and-picky-eating/ (Accessed 21 November 2022).
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