There are a few possible reasons why an autistic child may always seem to be hungry.

Autism and constant hunger

One possibility is that they have difficulty regulating their appetite.

Autistic children may have difficulty understanding their hunger cues, and may not be able to recognise when they are full.

This can lead to overeating and a constant feeling of hunger.

Autistic children may also have difficulty with self-regulation and understanding the concept of “enough”. They may find it hard to stop eating when they are full.

Diet limitations

Another possibility is that they have difficulty with food texture and may be restricted to a limited diet.

Autistic children may have sensory processing disorder which can cause them to be sensitive to certain textures, tastes, or smells, making it difficult for them to enjoy a variety of foods.

This can lead to a feeling of hunger even after a meal because they may not have enough variety in their diet to meet their nutritional needs.

They may also have food preferences and may not be willing to try new foods, which can limit their dietary options.

Communication

Additionally, autistic children may have difficulty with communication, and may not be able to express when they are hungry or full.

This can lead to them always asking for food or accepting food when offered. .

This may be particularly challenging for non-verbal children.

They may turn to other ways to communicate their hunger or fullness.

Burning calories

Another reason why an autistic child may be always hungry is due to their active lifestyle.

Children with autism often crave movement sometimes running, jumping or rocking throughout the day.

If your child is constantly active then it is natural for them to crave more food. Their body will recognise that they are burning calories at quite a rate.

Hunger messages will then be sent to the brain.

Medical conditions

It’s also important to consider underlying medical conditions.

Some children with autism may have conditions such as diabetes, celiac disease, or other metabolic disorders.

These can cause them to be constantly hungry.

Additionally, children with autism may have a higher metabolism which can cause them to burn more calories than typical children, leading them to be hungry more often.

PICA

Furthermore, some children with autism may have a condition called Pica, which is characterized by a persistent craving for non-food items such as dirt, paint, or chalk.

Pica can be a sign of malnutrition or mineral deficiencies, and it’s important to seek medical attention if the child is found to be consuming non-food items.

Summary – Why is my autistic child always hungry?

It’s important to note that not all children with autism have eating difficulties.

It’s also necessary to consult a doctor or a dietitian to rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be causing the constant hunger.

We have another post with ideas to tackle the issue which you can try at home.

Additionally, working with an occupational therapist or a behavioural therapist to help the child understand their hunger cues and develop strategies to regulate their appetite may be beneficial.

An autistic child may always seem to be hungry due to difficulty regulating their appetite, difficulty with food texture, difficulty with communication, underlying medical conditions, higher metabolism, and Pica.

It is important to consult a doctor or a dietitian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Also you could work with an occupational therapist or a behavioural therapist to help the child understand their hunger cues.

Together you will develop strategies to regulate their appetite, and address any food-related sensory issues.

For more help raising an autistic child visit our archive or the UK’s National Autistic Societies website.