Expanding Palates: Navigating Selective Eating in Autism

Autism and selective eating - we know firsthand how frustrating it can be when your child refuses to try a new food or rejects anything resembling a fruit or vegetable.

Research tells us that selective eating in autistic children often stems from sensory sensitivities. It's not just about taste - it's about how the food feels, smells, looks, and tastes. Eating is like a wild sensory adventure for autistic children!

We know you've probably tried everything under the sun to get your little ones to eat, but here are some expert suggestions that might just do the trick. First off, try serving the same food in a different configuration. Sometimes a change in appearance can make all the difference. Another tip is to use smaller serving sizes as this is often less overwhelming for your child. Experts also agree that parents can let their children play with their food. This encourages them to explore it using their other senses, before attempting to put it in their mouth. Maybe they'll enjoy squishing some mashed potatoes between their fingers or taking a sniff of a new food before taking a bite. It's all about creating positive and engaging experiences around eating.

Last but not least, patience is key. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your child's adventurous eating habits. Keep offering new foods, even if they're initially rejected. Over time, their tastes might evolve and surprise you.

Lisa Zahariousdakis wrote an article for Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine explaining in more detail how eating is truly a sensory experience for our children. Lisa is the creator of an amazing board game that helps autistic children and other selective eaters explore food. This board game is called "One Step Up - The Food Adventure Game." It's designed to help your child explore different types of food in a fun and interactive way. Be sure to check it out here: https://www.onestepupgame.com/

We hope these tips give you some new tricks to tackle selective eating with your autistic children. Remember, it's a sensory journey, and with a little creativity and patience, we can help expand their culinary horizons. Bon appétit!

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