Parenting a child with autism can be challenging, especially when it comes to mealtime. Picky eating is a common issue that many parents of children with autism face. Children with autism may have sensory processing issues, which can make certain foods unappetizing or overwhelming. As a result, mealtimes can become stressful and frustrating for both parents and children. But don't worry, with the right tips and strategies, you can successfully navigate picky eating with your child with autism. In this article, we'll share some practical advice on how to make mealtimes more enjoyable for your child and how to get them to try new foods. From creating a mealtime routine to introducing new foods gradually, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and learn how to make mealtime a positive experience for your child with autism.
Understanding picky eaters
Picky eating is a common issue among children, especially for those with autism. A picky eater is someone who has strong preferences for certain foods and is unwilling to try new ones. Children with autism may have sensory processing issues, which can make it difficult for them to tolerate certain textures, smells, and tastes. This can lead to a limited diet that lacks essential nutrients, which can affect their health and development. For our family, my daughter is pretty good at eating however she doesn't like orange foods. Yes, orange foods: carrots, cheese, sweet potatoes, types of squash, oranges, orange juice. The only thing orange she will eat is goldfish crackers. And something else that occurs with her is that it's hard for her to try something she likes (for example cucumbers) in a different way. So being able to pick up on what she likes and doesn't like definitely helps in trying to figure out which foods to focus on for her to try to eat.
It's important to understand that picky eating is not a choice or a behavior problem. It's a sensory issue that requires patience, understanding, and support. Children with autism may also have difficulty communicating their likes and dislikes, which can make it challenging for parents to know what foods to offer. This is why it's crucial to work with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian who can help you develop a personalized plan to meet your child's nutritional needs.
The impact of picky eating on mealtime
Picky eating can have a significant impact on mealtime, both for the child and the parents. It can cause stress, anxiety, and frustration for everyone involved. Parents may feel like they're failing to provide their child with adequate nutrition, while children may feel pressured to eat foods they don't like. Mealtime can become a battleground, with power struggles and tantrums becoming a regular occurrence.
It's important to remember that mealtime should be a positive experience for everyone. It's an opportunity to bond, socialize, and enjoy delicious food together. When picky eating becomes a source of tension, it's essential to take a step back and re-evaluate the situation. Instead of focusing on what your child is not eating, try to focus on what they are eating and build from there. Celebrate small victories and offer praise for trying new foods, even if it's just a small taste.
Common mealtime mistakes and how to avoid them
Parents of picky eaters often make common mistakes that can make the situation worse. Here are some examples of mistakes and how to avoid them:
Forcing your child to eat: Forcing your child to eat can create a negative association with food and make mealtimes stressful. Instead, offer a variety of healthy foods and let your child decide what and how much to eat. Encourage them to try new foods, but don't force them. What worked for us is placing a small piece of the food you want them to on their plate. With my daughter, it took 2-3 weeks of putting a piece of carrot down on her plate for dinner and she eventually tried it. So we celebrated her at least tasting it.
Offering only familiar foods: Offering only familiar foods can limit your child's exposure to new flavors and textures. Introduce new foods gradually and in small portions. Pair new foods with familiar ones to make them less intimidating.
Negotiating with your child: Negotiating with your child can create power struggles and make mealtimes more stressful. Set clear rules and expectations for mealtime and stick to them. Offer healthy choices and let your child decide what to eat from the options available.
Using food as a reward or punishment: Using food as a reward or punishment can create an unhealthy relationship with food. Instead, praise your child for trying new foods and offer non-food rewards for good behavior.
Creative ways to introduce new foods
Introducing new foods to a picky eater can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Here are some creative ways to introduce new foods:
Make food fun: Cut food into fun shapes or use cookie cutters to make sandwiches. Use colorful fruits and vegetables to make a rainbow salad or a fruit skewer.
Get your child involved: Involve your child in meal planning and preparation. Let them choose a new recipe to try or help you in the kitchen. This can make them more invested in the meal and more willing to try new foods.
Serve foods in different ways: Serve foods in different ways to make them more appealing. For example, offer raw vegetables with a dip or serve fruit in a smoothie. Try roasting or grilling vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness.
Offer a variety of textures: Offer a variety of textures to help your child get used to different sensations. For example, offer crunchy carrots, smooth avocado, and chewy raisins in a salad.
Meal planning tips for picky eaters
Meal planning is essential for picky eaters, as it can help ensure that they're getting the nutrients they need. Here are some meal planning tips for picky eaters:
Offer a variety of foods: Offer a variety of foods from each food group to ensure that your child is getting a balanced diet. Include at least one food that your child likes in each meal, and gradually introduce new foods.
Stick to a routine: Stick to a routine for mealtime to help your child feel more comfortable and relaxed. Offer meals and snacks at regular intervals throughout the day, and avoid letting your child graze or snack all day long.
Make healthy swaps: Make healthy swaps to make meals more nutritious. For example, use whole-grain bread instead of white bread, or offer a side of roasted vegetables instead of French fries.
Be patient: Be patient and persistent. It can take several exposures to a new food before your child is willing to try it. Don't give up after the first try, and keep offering new foods in a positive and supportive manner.
Recipes for picky eaters
Here are some recipe ideas for picky eaters:
Fruit and yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and chopped fruit in a cup or bowl.
Mini pizzas: Top English muffins with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings of your choice.
Chicken nuggets: Cut chicken breast into nugget-sized pieces, coat with egg and breadcrumbs, and bake in the oven.
Mac and cheese: Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then mix with cheese sauce or shredded cheese.
Smoothie: Blend together fruit, yogurt, and milk to make a nutritious and tasty smoothie.
Encouraging positive eating habits
Encouraging positive eating habits can help your child develop a healthy relationship with food. Here are some tips:
Eat together as a family: Eating together as a family can help your child develop social skills and a positive attitude towards food. It's also an opportunity to model healthy eating habits.
Offer healthy choices: Offer healthy choices and let your child decide what to eat. This can help them feel more in control and invested in the meal.
Praise good behavior: Praise your child for trying new foods or eating a balanced meal. This can help reinforce positive behavior and encourage them to continue trying new things.
Avoid using food as a reward or punishment: Using food as a reward or punishment can create an unhealthy relationship with food. Instead, offer non-food rewards for good behavior.
Seeking professional help for extreme picky eating
In some cases, extreme picky eating may require professional help. If your child has an extremely limited diet or is not gaining weight, it's important to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can help you develop a personalized plan to meet your child's nutritional needs.
Dealing with mealtime tantrums and power struggles
Mealtime tantrums and power struggles can be challenging for parents. Here are some tips on how to deal with them:
Stay calm: Stay calm and avoid getting into a power struggle with your child. Take a break if needed and come back to the meal later.
Offer choices: Offer your child choices within a structured mealtime routine. For example, offer two healthy options for dinner and let them choose which one they want.
Set clear rules and expectations: Set clear rules and expectations for mealtime and stick to them. Avoid negotiating or making exceptions.
Get support: Reach out to other parents or professionals for support and advice. You're not alone, and there are resources available to help you.
Conclusion
Picky eating can be a challenging issue for parents of children with autism, but it's not impossible to overcome. By understanding the root causes of picky eating, avoiding common mistakes, and using creative strategies, you can help your child develop a healthy relationship with food. Mealtime should be a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone, and with patience, persistence, and support, you can make it happen.
Comments