Autism, autistic, food, eating, sensory

Food and Mealtimes

Many people experience aversions or dislikes of some foods, which can limit their diet. Some people may also have routines or environmental preferences related to eating, such as eating at specific times preferring to eat with certain cutlery or preferring particular brands. These individual differences are not usually a cause for concern unless health or social functioning are impacted. Refusal of new foods can also be a normal stage of childhood development, providing there are not associated health concerns.

Mealtime ideas

Below are some thoughts and ideas that may be useful for some people when thinking about mealtimes.

Consider the environment. Are there lots of strong smells? Is the seat right or the cutlery right, or is the person uncomfortable or having difficulties?
Use sharing plates at mealtimes - placed in the middle of the table with no pressure to try the foods. Learning plates with different sections, to avoid different foods touching can be useful.
Limit the length of mealtimes.
Introduce cooking activities at home, such as cooking for a family member or friend. Include shopping for ingredients - even online shopping if you do not like to visit the supermarket. Still without pressure to eat the foods/meal.
Play with foods away from mealtimes. Maybe play whilst prepping meals or enjoy some messy play using food items.
Food chaining. This is a way to gradually introduce new foods. Making very small changes at very small rate (often weeks or months for each stage). An example of this would be if you always eat McDonald's chicken nuggets, you might introduce store-bought chicken nuggets, eventually home breaded chicken nuggets.

Food and Eating Resources

Websites

NHS suggestions for understanding children's eating and supporting change - NELFT

NHS service with lots of information and tips on various sensory needs, including eating and mealtimes - Humber Sensory Processing Hub

Steps to Trying New Foods - Be Body Positive

Autism & food refusal (including mealtime & cooking suggestions) - BBC Bitesize Trying new food

Books

Food Refusal and Avoidant Eating in Children, including those with Autism Spectrum Conditions: A Practical Guide for Parents and Professionals by Gillian Harris and Elizabeth Shea

Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating by Katja Rowell and Jenny McGlothlin

'The Autistic Teen's Avoidant Eating Workbook' by Elizabeth Shea - A good resource for young people who want to lead their own changes.