what are some ways to encourage an autistic child to try different foods?

Question

my son will only eat certain foods because of sensory impulses from different textures. his diet is limited and i would like him to eat better although his developmental pediatrician says he is doing well and developing good . it is an ongoing struggle and the other kids get mad because of his eating one thing while they have to eat whatever is cooked. (this child has severe autism)

Answer 1

WHAT!!!!!!!! The child suffers from a SENSORY IMPULSE FROM DIFFERENT TEXTURES!!!!!!!!!!!! His doctor says that he is developing fine, means you are doing a good job don't screw that up! He will try different foods when HE IS READY! Believe it or not he will express that he wants something to you (I do not know the severity of his Autism), but asking a child to try a new food when he has a sensory issue to texture is like asking you to chew on a razor. So consider this, when you are ready to chew glass he will be ready for you to enourage him to try a new food texture. I do not mean that in a cruel way, but that is the reality of having a sensory issues. Often what we take as a conforting hug from someone is sheer pain and horror to someone with a sensory issue (depending on type).

Good Luck,

Answer 2

Just keep trying... it does take up to 20 trials before a child will try a new food, especially if there are sensory issues related. You can also try "playing" with the food (when it is not a meal time). Put out the new food you want him to taste in a bowl. Just leave it on the table and see if he notices. He may pick it up and check it out if it is not in an intimidating setting (as meals sometimes are). Mushy things like pudding and mashed potatoes can be used as "fingerpaint" of sorts. Sometimes just having the unusual food in a different setting to explore can help, as well as becoming accustomed to the texture. It is hard... children with autism are very resistant to change of any kind, and they want what they want, when they want it. I know it seems unfair to the other children, and to some extent, it is... but the bottom line is that you want your child to enjoy their time with the family eating together (and you want them to eat). In our preschool (we serve children with special needs as 60% of our population) we use a "trade" method. We ask them to eat one bite of a new food, and then give them one bite of a food we know they like. Once they get into that mode, and they understand the trade-off, new foods are usually not a problem. They may not like the new food at all- that's ok. If we can see (expression on their face) that the new food is not pleasureable at all, the one bite is the only one they have to take. We will then try again with the new food in a few weeks to see if the tolerance has changed. It may get discouraging, but you need to keep offering the new foods. Eventually you will be able to broaden his tastes.

Answer 3

Slowly start to introduce new foods. For example, if your son likes smooth foods because of the texture, next time he has peanut butter or pudding try to add something that isn't quite as smooth, such as a mashed banana or jelly (one student I worked with would eat PB and J mixed together in a bowl). It takes children up to 20 times of trying a new food before he/she will eat it. Start slowly and keep working at it.

For the other kids, try explaining to them that he has to eat certain foods in order to "keep him happy". Give your children an extra treat or reward for eating the dinner that is prepared for them - such as a favorite dessert or extra time playing a video game or watching a movie.

Answer 4

well i feel sorry for you and u culd try Slowly start to introduce new foods. For example, if your son likes smooth foods because of the texture, next time he has peanut butter or pudding try to add something that isn't quite as smooth, such as a mashed banana or jelly (one student I worked with would eat PB and J mixed together in a bowl). It takes children up to 20 times of trying a new food before he/she will eat it. Start slowly and keep working at it.

For the other kids, try explaining to them that he has to eat certain foods in order to "keep him happy". Give your children an extra treat or reward for eating the dinner that is prepared for them - such as a favorite dessert or extra time playing a video game or watching a movie.

Answer 5

you might have more success in talking to the other kids; autistic kids, as you must know, are almost supernaturally stubborn. it's more important the he be healthy, which seems to be the case. try stretching the whole family's range of foods, if you haven't, already. he may love eritrean bread! i hate it, but that's neither here nor there. my oldest friend, who might be said to have asperger's (lay diagnosis, but his people skills... bad), sometimes considered a mild form of autism, if you happened not to be aware, also won't eat certain foods because of their texture. and, when i say, "won't", i MEAN it. he hasn't eaten spaghetti in over twenty five years. vegetables are anathema to him. and this is a functioning, if odd, grown man. fire and steel wouldn't get him to eat broccoli, if applied simultaneously. so, once more: talk to his siblings (i assume these are the other kids mentioned), increase everyone's palate, make sure he's healthy, and be patient.

Answer 6

At a time when you know he is hungry, and nothing else will be offered, eat it yourself in front of him, evidently enjoying it yourself. Then see if he might indicate an interest, even before offering it to him. If someone is hungry, they are more likely to try whatever is available. Good luck! And take encouragement from your doctor's good praise.