Food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder
In this article, we will explain the relationship between autism spectrum disorder and selectivity in eating. And provide some strategies to help parents and caregivers improve food selectivity.
Autism spectrum disorder and picky eating
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder, Involves challenges in social interaction, speech, non-verbal communication, and restricted repetitive behaviors, Difficulty moving from one activity to another. One of the most common symptoms of autism spectrum disorder is food selectivity.
Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are often picky about the food they are offered and may have strong preferences for food textures, food colors, or certain flavors involved.
Food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder
Food selectivity is often one of the most common problems in typically developing children of a certain age. Especially for children with autism spectrum disorder.
According to the study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Up to 70% of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder have difficulty feeding, including picky eating. Food selectivity may be due to a variety of factors. like, Sensory problems, anxiety, Routine.
Children with autism spectrum disorder are often more sensitive to certain food textures, food smells, and taste when eating than typically developing children. They may find foods unpleasant to them or may avoid them completely.
It is also difficult for parents and caregivers to provide a healthy and balanced diet. Due to food selectivity, this can lead to frustration and anxiety for a child with autism spectrum disorder.
Strategies to reduce food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder
The most frequently asked question from parents and caregivers is, How can I reduce food selectivity in my child with autism spectrum disorder?
There are many strategies that can be used to help parents and caregivers reduce food selectivity and build and develop healthy feeding behaviors. Of which:
Be patient
Be patient when introducing new foods to a child with autism spectrum disorder. It may take a long time to adapt, so patience is important when you start trying new foods.
In the beginning, small amounts of new foods should be offered alongside familiar foods, and the child with autism spectrum disorder should be encouraged to experiment. Parents and caregivers should not force the child to eat things he does not want and keep introducing new foods every time.
Visual aids and social stories
Using visual aids and social stories can reduce food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder through pictures and diagrams to understand where food comes from and how it is prepared.
Also through social stories you can establish the importance of healthy eating, The benefits of trying new healthy foods for the child.
Time Management
Organizing meal times and making them fun for a child with autism spectrum disorder will help the child try new foods, especially if they are presented in fun and attractive ways through the use of colorful plates and utensils. As well as involving the child when preparing meals at home.
Request support
Parents should seek help when the food selectivity of a child with autism spectrum disorder may greatly affect him. Therefore, parents must seek help from a nutritionist to work on implementing a treatment plan that includes healthy, balanced meals, taking into account the child’s favorite food and his sensitivity to some foods. A certified behavior analyst can also help a child overcome anxiety and motivate him to try other foods.
Early intervention and food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder
The importance of early intervention is the basis for starting to reduce the severity of food selectivity in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The earlier the intervention, the more parents and caregivers will be able to identify feeding difficulties and address them by the multidisciplinary team, including a nutritionist and a certified behavior analyst, by developing a comprehensive plan to overcome food selectivity and help the child with autism spectrum disorder avoid food aversions. Unfamiliar with him and establishing healthy eating habits.
Research indicates that early intervention may contribute significantly to reducing food selectivity in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. A study published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis found that children who received early intervention due to feeding difficulties showed significant improvement in their ability to eat more than a variety of foods. Which suggests that early intervention may lead to sustained behavior change.
In addition, improving food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder has social benefits by involving them in social activities that include food during family meals or school activities, as this can affect increasing social interaction and improving the quality of daily life in general.
How to involve a child with autism spectrum disorder during meal preparation
An effective strategy to reduce food selectivity in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is to involve them in organizing and preparing meals by giving the child a sense of control over his or her food choices.
When involving the child in preparing meals, some of the following steps may be included, including:
Graduation
When starting to prepare meals with a child with autism spectrum disorder, you should start with simple, uncomplicated tasks and then gradually increase the tasks until the child becomes more comfortable and confident with the parents and caregivers.
joy
Cooking and preparing meals can be a fun activity for children with autism spectrum disorder. Telling stories or through play can make the experience more enjoyable for the child.
Choose recipes that contain familiar foods
When choosing recipes, you can incorporate familiar foods that a child with autism spectrum disorder prefers, as this helps build confidence and makes him more willing to try new foods.
Experience
A child with autism spectrum disorder should be encouraged to experiment with the textures and colors of foods or some of the flavors in question by adding some spices or herbs, as this helps encourage the child to be ready to try new foods.
Frequently asked questions
It is normal for parents to worry about the food pickiness of their child with autism spectrum disorder. There may be many questions from parents or caregivers about food selectivity and how it relates to the diagnosis of a child with autism spectrum disorder. Here we review the answers that may help you understand food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder. Of which:
Why are children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder more susceptible to food pickiness?
One of the main factors is sensory issues with certain textures, smells and tastes of foods. Which may make these foods a source of annoying allergies for the child.
What are the consequences of food selectivity in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder?
Food selectivity can lead to nutritional deficiencies, As well as the difficulty of maintaining a healthy weight for a child with autism disorder.
How can we encourage a child with autism spectrum disorder to try new foods?
Through the strategies mentioned in the article, Parents and caregivers can implement it with the child to overcome food selectivity and develop healthy feeding habits and behaviors.
When should parents seek professional support?
When picky eating is the source of many health problems, such as malnutrition or extreme anxiety around mealtimes, Therefore, it is important to seek professional support from a registered dietitian or behavior analyst who specializes in feeding difficulties in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Conclusion
Food selectivity is one of the most common problems in many children with autism spectrum disorder. But this problem does not have to extend throughout life.
By understanding the reasons behind food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder, Using the strategies described in the article, Parents and caregivers can reduce and limit food selectivity by being patient and seeking professional support from specialists. Encouraging and developing skills for children with autism spectrum disorder to make healthier choices.
Reference:
Autism and Picky Eating: The Important Connection (thetreetop.com)
