HOW TO INTRODUCE GOOD NUTRITION TO AUTISTIC PICKY EATER?

Introducing good nutrition to a picky eater with autism can be challenging, but with patience, creativity, and a structured approach, it is possible to make this process smoother. Many children with autism have specific preferences, sensory sensitivities, or anxiety around new foods, so it’s essential to take a gradual and positive approach to encourage healthier eating habits.

Here are strategies to help you introduce good nutrition to a picky eater with autism:

1. Start with Familiar Foods

• Blend new foods with favourites: When introducing new nutritious foods, try combining them with foods the child already likes. For example, mix finely grated vegetables into a favourite pasta sauce or blend fruits and vegetables into a smoothie.
• Gradual changes: Start by introducing small amounts of the new food alongside familiar options. For example, add a new fruit or vegetable to their regular snack, like slices of apple with peanut butter.

2. Present Food Creatively

• Make food fun: Children with autism may be more open to trying new foods if they are visually appealing. Cut vegetables and fruits into fun shapes using cookie cutters or arrange them into a playful pattern on the plate.
• Colourful plates: Make the plate visually stimulating by using colorful foods (like orange carrots, green broccoli, and red tomatoes). This can make mealtime more exciting and might encourage the child to try new foods.
• Offer a variety of textures: Experiment with different textures—some children may prefer crunchy foods, while others may prefer soft or smooth textures. Offer both to see which ones the child is more open to.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement

• Praise and rewards: Whenever the child tries a new food, offer praise and positive reinforcement. Even small steps like touching or smelling a new food should be acknowledged with enthusiasm.
• Incentives: Create a reward system where trying new foods earns rewards. For example, after trying a new food, the child might earn a sticker or a favorite activity (like watching a short video).
• No pressure: Avoid pressuring the child to eat. If they resist a new food, don’t push them; instead, offer the food again at a later time.

4. Introduce New Foods Slowly

• One food at a time: Avoid overwhelming the child with too many new foods at once. Introduce one new food at a time and give them several chances to try it before moving on to another.
• Repetition is key: It often takes multiple exposures (10–15 times) for a child with autism to accept a new food. Keep offering the food in different ways, even if the child initially refuses it.
• Modelling behaviour: Sometimes children are more willing to try new foods if they see others eating them. Try eating the new food yourself, making it a positive and social experience.

5. Respect Sensory Sensitivities

• Texture matters: Children with autism may have strong preferences or aversions to certain textures. Experiment with different preparations (e.g., cooked vs. raw vegetables, mashed potatoes vs. whole potatoes, or blending food into smoothies).
• Temperature: Some children have preferences for food temperature, such as preferring foods that are cold (like salads or smoothies) or hot (like soups). Be mindful of these preferences and adjust accordingly.
• Smell and appearance: If the child is sensitive to certain smells or appearances of food, try introducing new foods in a way that minimizes these triggers. For example, serve the food with a favorite dip to mask the taste or aroma.

6. Use Supplements to Fill Gaps

• Multivitamins: If the child’s diet is limited or lacks certain nutrients, consider using multivitamins designed for children with autism. This can help fill gaps in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium.
• Protein or omega-3 supplements: If protein or healthy fats are missing from the diet, protein supplements or omega-3 supplements (such as fish oil or plant-based alternatives) can provide these important nutrients.
• Consult with a dietitian: A pediatric dietitian specializing in autism can help create a plan that incorporates essential nutrients without forcing the child to eat foods they dislike.

7. Involve the Child in Food Preparation

• Allow participation: Involve the child in the preparation of meals and snacks. Let them help wash vegetables, mix ingredients, or assemble their own meals. This can help them feel more in control of the process and may make them more open to trying what they’ve helped prepare.
• Interactive mealtimes: Make mealtime a more interactive and fun experience. For example, let the child create their own mini-pizzas using healthy ingredients (whole wheat crust, veggies, lean protein).

8. Create a Structured Eating Routine

• Predictable mealtimes: Many children with autism thrive on routine. Keep mealtimes consistent by serving meals at the same time each day, with a predictable sequence of events (e.g., wash hands, sit at the table, eat).
• Offer food regularly: Ensure the child has regular, balanced meals and snacks throughout the day to avoid hunger, which can make picky eating worse.
• Routine with new foods: Make offering new foods part of the daily routine, even if the child doesn’t eat them right away. Over time, seeing the new food regularly on their plate can reduce anxiety around it.

9. Keep Meals Calm and Low-Stress

• Limit distractions: Keep the eating environment calm by minimizing distractions like TV or excessive noise. A quiet and relaxing mealtime can help the child focus on the food without becoming overwhelmed.
• Gentle pressure: Avoid forcing the child to eat or pressuring them too much. Gentle encouragement and being patient are key to reducing anxiety around food.

10. Track Progress and Be Patient

• Celebrate small wins: Celebrate every success, no matter how small. Even if the child just touches or smells a new food, it’s progress.
• Be patient and flexible: Introducing new foods takes time, and there will be setbacks along the way. Focus on gradual, positive exposure, and be ready to try different approaches if something doesn’t work.

Example Approach for Introducing New Food:

1. Day 1–3: Introduce the new food on the plate next to a familiar food. Let the child explore it visually, smell it, or touch it. No pressure to taste.
2. Day 4–7: Encourage the child to taste a small bite of the new food. Offer a fun dip or sauce that they like to make it more appealing.
3. Day 8–14: Gradually increase the portion of the new food. Continue offering praise and rewards for any attempt to try it.
4. Ongoing: Keep incorporating the new food in different ways (e.g., cooked, raw, blended) and offer it regularly, even if the child doesn’t accept it right away.

By being patient, creative, and consistent, you can gradually help a picky eater with autism develop a more balanced and varied diet.