It is common for children with ASD to be picky with foods but this trait can stretch to an autistic child who only drinks milk.

In this article we dive into what may be behind this tendency and what parents can do about it.

Autism and only drinking milk

If a child with autism only drinks certain liquids, such as milk, it can be challenging for parents.

One of the challenges is to ensure that their child is getting enough fluids and nutrients to maintain proper health.

There are a few things that parents can do to help encourage their child to try new liquids and expand their drink choices.

Understanding sensory needs

First, it’s important to understand that children with autism may have sensory sensitivities that make certain liquids or textures unappealing to them.

It’s also important to remember that the child is not being awkward or difficult. It is more how autism impacts how things feel and taste.

Put simply the world can seem a little bit different to those with autism so patience is required.

Milk has become routine

Routines are extremely important to a lot of autistic children.

It is likely therefore that them drinking milk has formed a routine in itself.

Routines are a sense of predicability in a confusing world, so getting a child to move away from that may be a challenge.

Things to try

Parents can try to introduce new liquids gradually, and in small amounts, to help their child adjust to the new taste or texture.

It’s also helpful to offer a variety of liquids at different temperatures to see if their child prefers cold or warm drinks.

Another strategy is to use positive reinforcement and rewards to encourage the child to try new liquids.

For example, parents can offer a small reward or praise the child when they try a new liquid or drink a certain amount of it.

Parents can also try to make drinking new liquids fun and interactive by using straws, sippy cups, or colourful cups to make the experience more appealing to the child.

They can also try to make a game out of drinking, such as seeing how long the child can drink from a straw or how fast they can finish a cup.

Something like a timer could help here.

Although parents wouldn’t want their child to guzzle another drink, one option could be to set a target of a cup of water in a minute.

The type of drink in which your child only drinks is also relevant.

Although we are talking about milk in this article, other liquids can also be the sole preference.

If that is the case there may be more urgency to address the issue if for example they only drink soda/fizzy beverages.

Professional help

It’s also important if possible to work with a multidisciplinary team of professionals.

This may include a pediatrician, a dietitian, and an occupational therapist.

Ultimately as a group, parents will strive to ensure that the child’s nutritional needs are met.

In addition decide that any food restrictions are safe and healthy for the child.

What we mean by that is that an autistic child who only drinks milk will be getting a lot of their calories from this source.

To just try and instantly reduce this calorie source may be detrimental, so speaking to professionals is strongly advised.

The dietitian can help to provide guidance on how to make sure that the child is getting the necessary nutrients even if they have a restricted diet.

The occupational therapist can help with strategies to support the child with drinking different liquids and textures.

Being resistant to change is a common autistic trait so patience may be a key factor in resolving the issue in the long term.

Summary – Autistic child only drinks milk

If a child with autism only drinks certain liquids, such as milk, it can be challenging for parents to ensure that their child is getting enough fluids and nutrients to maintain good health.

Parents can try a number of things to get over this hurdle;

• Introducing new liquids gradually, and in small amounts.

• Using positive reinforcement and rewards.

• Making drinking new liquids fun and interactive.

• Working with professionals to ensure that the child’s nutritional needs are met.

Feel free to browse our site for more tips and help with raising an autistic child.  Alternatively you can go to either the UK’s National Autistic Society or the US Autism Association.