Eating Habits: Feeding a Child With Autism Spectrum

According to Autism Speaks, the latest review of scientific studies has determined that children with autism are five times more likely to have meal challenges as they have extremely narrow food selections, ritualistic eating behaviors, and meal-related tantrums.

Children are usually highly selective eaters when they are in the stage ages 18 to 24 months and most likely tend to outgrow such preferences at the age of seven. However, according to Mariana Fraga, a board-certified behavior analyst at Henry Ford Health, children who have autism spectrum do not outgrow picky eating.

Parents who feed children with autism usually encounter substantial distress when it comes to mealtime. Between 50 percent and 89 percent of children with autism possess food selectivity. As a result, they often eat far fewer dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains than normal children. Usually, children who have autism struggle with sensory defensiveness and overstimulation in visuals which make it difficult for them to have meals. Some kids do not consume food served to them as they do not like its taste or looks. Some autistic children try their food before deciding whether they want it, but many do not.

According to Kids Pediatrics, children with autism spectrum who appears to have food selectivity are mainly because of behavioral and environmental problems. Thus, the temperature and texture need to have the uniformity the children want.

The reality of food with autism shared on TikTok

A TikTok user, @adoseofzmanaday, showed a mom documenting her son with autism trying some foods. Zach has autism and aphasia, a disability that causes social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Jennifer, Zach's mom, began documenting as he tried all kinds of food unusual for people with autism spectrum.

Jennifer wanted to show what it is like for parents with an autistic child and the struggles and challenges they face when taking care of their autistic children, especially when it comes to food and meals.

In the videos, the mother asks her son if he wants to try certain food that he's not familiar with, and when Zach would go ahead and try, she would then ask him whether he likes it. If Zach likes a particular food, he will raise his thumbs, but if he doesn't like it, he will say "No." Jennifer also commends and praises her son as he tries some food. She also thanks Zach for at least trying.

Jennifer also wanted to raise awareness of the happenings between parents and autistic children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2021 reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the United States is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. It has also been found that boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum than girls, per Autism Speaks.

Read Also: Helping Children To Heal From Traumatic Events; Parents Must Assure Kids They Are Safe

How to help your child with Autism Spectrum eat?

Parents can help their children with autism by setting their goals and allowing them to eat or explore at least two kinds of food based on their preference. When the child finally eats, shower them with praises as they will think they did great eating a certain food. Acknowledge your child's effort in taking a bite, even if it takes a few minutes before they try out.

According to Child Mind Institute, the parent must always be patient and keep trying. Some kids might throw tantrums while eating but ignoring such will gradually help reduce the tantrums. Parents must only take action when the child's behavior can bring danger.

Related Article: Parent's Guide: Handling a Child on the Autism Spectrum