It is common for an autistic child to have a complex relationship with food and drink, but will they actually starve themselves?

In this article we try to answer that question.

Autism and food

There are various challenges faced by parents raising a child with autism. However one of the most difficult can be their relationship with food.

Below, we will explore the complexities surrounding eating behaviours in autistic children and shed light on how these issues can be addressed.

Selective eating

Selective eating, also known as food selectivity or restrictive eating, refers to a limited range of accepted foods.

These limitations can include refusal to eat certain textures, colours, or tastes.

While selective eating is not exclusive to autistic kids, it is observed at higher rates among those with autism.

Here are some factors which contribute to selective eating;

Sensory factors

Autistic children often have heightened sensory sensitivities, which can manifest in aversions to certain textures, tastes, or smells.

Difficulties in integrating sensory information can impact an autistic child’s ability to process, and sensory stimuli associated with eating.

This can affect their appetite, causing them to limit their food choices.

Foods that trigger these sensitivities may cause distress or discomfort, leading to complete refusal to try them.

Routines

Many autistic children rely on routine and predictability as coping mechanisms. Changes in food brands, presentation, or the introduction of new foods can disrupt their sense of stability.

Again, this can lead to refusal.

Fear of food

Autistic children may exhibit a heightened fear of trying new foods, a condition known as food neophobia.

The fear of the unknown can make it challenging for them to venture beyond their established food preferences.

Will they actually starve themselves?

Firstly it is hugely important for you to reach out to a pediatrician or healthcare provider if you feel your child’s health is being compromised.

While it is rare for an autistic child to outright starve themselves, selective eating behaviours can potentially lead to various issues.

These include nutritional deficiencies and inadequate calorie intake.

Without wanting to alarm parents unduly these behaviours can result in weight loss and slower growth.

Speaking from experience, we have had some pretty longstanding stalemates at home.

They usually result in us as parents buckling to some degree and offering a preferred food.

What can parents do?

In order to tackle selective eating, parents can try a number of tactics;

Gradual exposure

To address sensory sensitivities you could try gradually exposing your child to different food textures, tastes, and smells.

This process, known as food desensitisation, can help expand their food repertoire.

In practice this would involve letting your child explore new foods prior to actually trying to get them to eat.

You could let your child hold and feel the foods in advance. Also you could let them come to the store with you so that they have some exposure and influence towards what will be served.

Another way to gradually expose your child to new foods would be to slightly alter their desired meal.

For example if your child only wanted to eat toast, you could toast it less and less each time to change the texture.

From there you may be able to serve them a regular sandwich without them rejecting the prospect all together.

Use visual supports

Visual supports, such as visual schedules, can provide predictability and reduce anxiety around mealtimes.

Food focused stories, which use simple language and visual cues, can help autistic children understand the importance of a varied diet.

They can also try and highlight the benefits of trying new foods.

Be positive and encouraging

Incrementally introducing new foods while using positive praise and rewards can motivate your child to explore unfamiliar food options.

This would be a case of celebrating the small wins, even if it is just that your child put a new food to his or her mouth.

Summary – Will autistic child starve themselves?

Every child and their eating preferences are different but it is unlikely they will outright starve from their eating difficulties.

Clearly if you think your child’s health is severely suffering and they are in danger you should seek medical assistance.

In order to overcome these challenges you can try to gradually expose your child to new things.

If you do so in a safe and comfortable environment with incremental steps you may see progress.

Another option would be to seek the assistance from professional therapists who may be able to set a personalised plan for your child.