“Children and adults with ASD are up to 5 times more likely to experience mealtime challenges, such as extreme food selectivity, ritualistic eating habits, sensory aversions to specific textures or temperatures, and behavioural tantrums.”- Feeding Problems and Nutrient Intake in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Meta-analysis and Comprehensive Review of the Literature (William G. Sharp et al. Journal of Autism and Development Disorders)

It’s clear that many children with autism struggle daily with restrictive eating. Whether this includes eating fewer than 10 types of food, choosing only liquid or semi-solid food, or being very specific on how the food is served and avoiding different food types touching each other. And for parents mealtimes can be a source of stress and anxiety. You might even dread these, as it can feel like you are failing.

It’s well understood that eating a balanced diet is the cornerstone of good nutrition. But when your child refuses variety in favour of repeated and consistent meals, this limits the types of the foods and prepared meals that you would ideally like to provide. Accepting this is important as is avoiding any pressure when encouraging them to explore new food types. Accessing support through GP/registered dieticians can help you to learn strategies to follow with the hope of expanding your child’s diet. The ultimate aim is to provide support to help your child successfully overcome some of their challenges around food and therefore improve their access to the essential vitamins and minerals needed for growth and development.

It’s important to know that just because your child has food sensitivities, or what would have just been classed as a “fussy eater” in the past, you have not failed as a parent. You are navigating the additional challenges that every parent of an ASD child understands. Every child is different, and even the same child’s eating habits may vary day-to-day or week-by-week.

Neurohappy was developed to offer parents of neurodivergent children a more tailored nutritional support that was based on nutritional science. Our newest product the Extra Sensitive Daily Essential multivitamin powder is now available. Designed to be mixed easily into a variety of familiar foods and drinks. Developed to provide a range of vitamins and minerals, but in a smaller serving size, to make it easier for families to support their autistic child’s nutrition. Find out more here.