Did you know that selective eating is common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? In fact, up to 50% of children with ASD may have some degree of selective eating. This means that they will only eat a limited number of foods and refuse to eat others. If your child has ASD and struggles with selective eating, you are not alone. In today's blog post from Children's Milestone, we'll discuss the causes of selective eating in children with ASD, strategies for coping with it, and ways to help your child expand their diet. Keep reading, and reach out to us today to get the support you need.
Identifying a Feeding Problem
The first step in addressing selective eating is to identify if your child has a feeding problem. A feeding problem is defined as difficulty with any stage of the food intake process, including chewing, swallowing, and digesting food. If you suspect that your child has a feeding problem, we encourage you to consult with a pediatrician or speech-language pathologist. They can help you determine the root cause of your child's selective eating and recommend appropriate interventions.
Food Selectivity
There are many possible causes of selective eating in children with ASD. Some of the most common include:
- Sensory processing problems: Many children with ASD have difficulty processing sensory information. This can make it difficult for them to tolerate certain textures, smells, and flavors of food.
- Anxiety: Many children with ASD experience anxiety in social situations. This may cause them to avoid new foods or refuse to eat around others.
- Limited palate: Some children with ASD have a limited palate due to difficulty acquiring new tastes and textures.
- Behavioral problems: Some children with ASD may refuse to eat certain foods as a way of controlling their environment or getting attention.
Risks to Be Aware Of
If left untreated, selective eating in children with ASD can have serious consequences, including the risk of obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. More immediate consequences can include poor bone growth, constipation, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Tips for Expanding Your Child’s Diet
There are a number of ways to encourage your child with ASD to expand their diet and get the nutrients they need. Children with autism thrive with structure and routine, which should always include mealtimes. Try to keep snacks to a minimum throughout the day, or have scheduled snack times between meals. If you're attempting some new foods, serve them small portions at a time to encourage them to try them without feeling pressured to consume an entire meal.
Learn More From Children's Milestone
At Children's Milestone in Laurel, MD, we specialize in helping children with ASD and other developmental delays reach their full potential. If your child is struggling with selective eating, don't hesitate to reach out to us for help.