If your autistic child only eats chicken nuggets this is the article for you. We explain why they may have a complex relationship with food and what you can do.

It is important to note if you are struggling here, you are not alone. Difficulties with autistic children and food is incredibly common.

Chicken nuggets and autism

Autistic children may have any number of dietary preferences from eating too much to only wanting certain colours.

What is a common occurrence however is a strong preference for the humble chicken nugget.

Here are some reasons why that may be the case;

Sensory factors

Autistic children may well have sensory sensitivities. This means that they interact with the world slightly differently to the neuro-typical.

Certain tastes, sounds and textures could either be pleasurable or uncomfortable for them.

A chicken nugget is a relatively bland and soft foodstuff. It could be that your child likes the squidgy nature of the nugget and how it feels in their mouth.

Or it may be that they like the feeling of the nugget in their fingers when they pick them up.

Repetitive behaviours

Another common issue autistic children have is a fondness for repetitive behaviours.

These behaviours can take many forms from hand flapping, spinning or jumping.

They also can manifest in their eating and drinking and can develop into a rigid relationship with food.

It could therefore be the case that eating chicken nuggets has become a habit for your child which provides them comfort.

Aversion to change

An autistic child’s fondness for structure and predicability can lead to strong aversions to change.

Logically thinking if other types of food are either repulsive due to their texture taste or smell then it is understandable for a child to want to stick to what they know.

Even for neuro-typical children they can get into strong food habits but with those with autism the dial is turned up.

Even the concept of changing a food type can be distressing to children with autism.

What can parents do?

Knowing why an autistic child only wants to eat chicken nuggets is one thing but knowing how to handle it is another.

Here are some tactics to consider;

Make subtle changes

Using a method of trial and error you can try to wean your child off of the nuggets.

A first step would be to gradually change how they are cooked making them either crispier or softer to broaden your child’s texture tolerances.

You could then try different brands and different shapes to gradually break down the walls of only accepting a specific example.

You could then try things similar in appearance but different like breaded fish or alike.

Involve your child in the cooking

Autistic children often crave a degree of control over their environment.

One way you may be able to use their desire for control is to involve them in the cooking process.

Perhaps let your child place another foot type on a baking tray and even turn it into counting practice.

You then can both inspect the food periodically during it’s cooking to involve your child in the process fully.

This tactic doesn’t only give them some input it also will mentally prepare them for the food about to be served.

Take them shopping

In a similar way to having them help you cook, you can try taking your child shopping with you for food.

Once in the store you can give them options in terms of what they can eat. The obvious trick would be not to present them with chicken nuggets, instead trying similar oven cooked goods to start with.

Use a schedule board

You could plan your meals for the week in advance and talk your child through a schedule board in the process.

This feeds into an autistic child’s need for structure and predictability.

You can highlight for example that on Tuesday you are going to have nuggets but on Wednesday you are going to have fish.

Bring in the professionals

One final option would be to bring in a therapist who specialises in autism to try and assist.

They may provide tactics and diet plans which are individually tailored to your child’s needs and preferences.

Summary – Autistic child only eats chicken nuggets

It can be very challenging trying to wean an autistic child off of a preferred food type.

It is important not to chastise yourself or your child to severely. Their eating preferences are strongly linked to their condition and they simply interact differently with food to the neuro-typical.

Utilising a method of trial and error you can hopefully make small steps towards them eating a more balanced diet.