Autism & Feeding Difficulties

Common Characteristics and Suggestions

Feeding Difficulties in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) not only impact the child but may impact the entire family. In fact, most parents report that their child will not eat a typical family diet. Family life can become quite stressful when parents need to accommodate their child’s ridged food preferences and eating behaviors. Many families report that their child’s feeding difficulties dominate family life.	Common Characteristics (cont.) •  Does not eat family diet • Obsessive eating patterns • Inappropriate mealtime routines • Disruptive mealtime behaviors • Food repertoire less than 20 foods • Coughing, choking, gagging • Over stuffing of food • Grazing
About Autism and Feeding • 90% the prevalence of Feeding Difficulties in Autism • Feeding Difficulties tend to be more severe in kids with autism • Feeding Difficulties increase concern for nutrition	That sounds like my child, what should I do?  If your child is exhibiting any of the common feeding problem characteristics or you are concerned about your child’s feeding behaviors, it is important that your child complete a Feeding/Dysphagia Evaluation now. Without help, you could be accidently reinforcing undesirable behaviors (such as food selectivity), increasing or creating food and feeding anxieties or increasing the intensity of refusal or ridged behaviors.
Common Characteristics • Extreme food selectivity • Selective by food type or texture • Selective by brand or appearance • Limited variety (sometimes only 1-2 foods or only white foods) • Strong negative reaction to the introduction of new foods • Fear of food or food anxiety • Oral sensory aversions • Oral motor delay/deficits • Intense food refusals	What can I do at home? • Set structured and consistent meal times • Set appropriate meal-time durations • Require that your child sit at the table with you during family meals • Set up a visual schedule • Continue to offer a variety of food without stress, forcing or bribing • Ignore or time-out undesirable behaviors • Provide only skill-appropriate foods