Autism and Picky Eating: 9 Strategies for Toddler Mealtime Success
As parents, we all want our children to eat a balanced diet. However, for many toddlers, especially those on the autism spectrum, mealtime can be a significant challenge. At Village of Littles, we understand these struggles and are here to help you navigate the complex world of autism and picky eating in toddlers.
Why Picky Eating is Common in Toddlers with Autism
Before we dive into solutions, let’s explore why picky eating is particularly prevalent among children with autism:
- Sensory Sensitivities: Many children with autism experience heightened sensory responses, making certain food textures, smells, or tastes overwhelming or unpleasant.
- Routine Preferences: Change can be difficult for children with autism, extending to food choices. They might prefer eating the same foods repeatedly for comfort and predictability.
- Anxiety Around New Foods: The unfamiliarity of new foods can trigger anxiety in children with autism, leading to resistance or refusal to try different dishes.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Some children with autism experience frequent tummy troubles, which can lead them to associate food with discomfort or pain, making mealtimes a source of stress.
These factors can turn mealtimes into a stressful experience for both you and your child. But don’t worry – we’ve got strategies to help!
9 Effective Strategies for Mealtime Success with Autistic Toddlers
- Start Small: Introduce new foods gradually, alongside familiar favorites. This approach can help reduce anxiety around trying new things.
- Make it Fun: Use cookie cutters or create food art to make meals more visually appealing. Engaging presentation can encourage curiosity about new foods.
- Involve Your Child: Let them help with meal prep or grocery shopping. This involvement can create a sense of ownership and familiarity with different foods.
- Stick to a Routine: Consistent mealtimes can reduce anxiety by providing a predictable structure to the day.
- Respect Sensitivities: Pay attention to textures, temperatures, and flavors your child likes and dislikes.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Praise any interaction with new foods, even if they don’t eat it. This positive reinforcement can encourage further exploration.
- Stay Calm: Act like you don’t care if your toddler eats or not. Your child can sense your stress and worry, which can create an unwanted power struggle.
- Engage in Sensory Play: Use sensory bins or play dough to help desensitize your child to different textures in a fun, relaxed way. This can indirectly support their comfort with various food textures.
- Explore Food in Non-Mealtime Settings: Try throwing a piece of food (like a carrot stick or broccoli floret) in the sink or bathtub during playtime. Let your child explore it in a setting that has nothing to do with eating.
Remember, progress takes time. Be patient with your child – and yourself!
Want More Support for Your Picky Eater Toddler?
At Village of Littles, we’re dedicated to providing continued support for you and your toddler after Early Intervention. Watch our free training video to learn more about getting ongoing support for both your child AND you!
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Wishing you and your little one happy, healthy mealtimes!