Picky Eating and Autism
Did you know that for some people on the autism spectrum, being a 'picky eater' isn't just about likes and dislikes? It's actually a complex interplay of sensory sensitivities, routines, and sometimes anxieties around food.
Sensory sensitivities can make certain textures, smells, or tastes overwhelming or off-putting. This can range from crunchy foods like carrots or celery, to soft and creamy textures like yogurt.
Routines and a preference for sameness can also play a part. This could mean eating the same foods over and over again, or it could mean only eating foods of a certain color.
Anxiety around food can also be a factor. This could be due to a past negative experience, like choking on a piece of food, or a fear of new and unfamiliar foods.
Understanding these complexities can help us to be more understanding and supportive of autistic individuals who struggle with food. It's important to be patient, and to consider professional help if feeding issues are causing significant stress or nutritional concerns.
Have you or your loved one experienced this? Share your story or strategies that worked for you! Let's learn from each other!
Sources:
Beighley, J. S., Matson, J. L., Rieske, R. D., & Adams, H. L. (2013). Food selectivity in children with and without an autism spectrum disorder: Investigation of diagnosis and age. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34(10), 3497-3503.
Kuschner, E. S., Eisenberg, I. W., Orionzi, B., Simmons, W. K., Kenworthy, L., Martin, A., & Wallace, G. L. (2015). A preliminary study of self-reported food selectivity in adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 15, 53-59.
