It is well known that children with autism often have a complicated relationship with food, but how can you help an autistic child gain weight?

Autism and gaining weight

For parents of autistic children, ensuring their child’s health and well-being is always a top priority.

One particular concern that some parents like us face is helping their child achieve a healthy weight.

Autism can sometimes be associated with challenges related to eating, sensory sensitivities, and limited food preferences.

This concoction can make it important for parents to adopt targeted strategies to support their child’s weight gain.

Below we will explore some effective approaches that parents can employ to help their autistic child achieve a healthy and appropriate weight.

Use routine and structure

Creating a structured meal routine can be beneficial for autistic children.

It can provide a predictable schedule and helps develop a sense of routine and comfort.

Parents can try to establish set mealtimes and snack times, and ensure that the child is consistently offered meals during those designated periods.

This routine helps regulate the child’s hunger and makes them more receptive to eating.

Use high calorie foods

To support weight gain, incorporate high-calorie foods into the child’s diet.

Healthy and nutrient-dense options include avocados, nuts and seeds, olive oil, nut butter, full-fat dairy products, and lean meats.

These foods provide essential nutrients while increasing calorie intake.

However, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive reliance on unhealthy, processed foods.

A practical tip would be to use cream cheese to mix into appropriate meals.

Cream cheese can be mixed into a wide range of foods such a as spaghetti bolognese and other pasta options.

This tactic works well as it is unlikely your child will notice the visual difference (depending on how much cheese!).

Ease in new foods

Many autistic children have sensory sensitivities that can make trying new foods challenging.

This is probably the number one challenge for parents looking to help their autistic child gain weight.

To overcome this, parents can introduce new foods gradually and in small portions.

Use tactics such as praise or small rewards, to encourage the child to try new foods.

It’s important to be patient and understanding, respecting the child’s sensory preferences.

If possible parents should try to any pressure that might create anxiety around mealtime.

Gradually change textures

Texture aversions are another common issue among autistic children.

Parents can experiment with modifying food textures gradually to make them more appealing and easier to eat.

For example, pureeing fruits and vegetables, or blending them into smoothies, can provide essential nutrients while accommodating sensory sensitivities.

Similarly, offering crunchy snacks or foods with different consistencies can help change the child’s diet.

Another tactic along the same lines would be to work within the child’s texture preferences. If they for example only like crunchy foods, you can choose high calorie offerings and cook them slightly longer.

Even putting a buttery glaze on oven cooked meals can add crunch and calories to meals.

Explore new foods together

Parents can create a positive association with food by engaging their child in food exploration activities.

This might involve grocery shopping together, allowing the child to choose items they find appealing, or involving them in meal preparation.

These activities can increase the child’s interest and involvement in the food they eat.

The ultimate goal is to encourage them to try new foods and develop healthier eating habits.

Consult health advisors

A very early step for parents is to consult with healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians and nutritionists.

This will be especially worthwhile if they specialise in working with autistic children.

These professionals can evaluate the child’s current weight, growth patterns, and overall health.

They can also provide tailored advice and recommendations based on the child’s specific needs, taking into account any sensory issues or food aversions.

Weight gain powders

Weight gain powders, also known as mass gainers or weight gain supplements are another option available.

These are powdered supplements designed to assist individuals in increasing their calorie intake and promoting weight gain.

Weight gain powders typically contain a blend of proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

They provide a convenient and concentrated source of nutrients that can be easily consumed by mixing the powder with water, milk, or other beverages.

Weight gain powders can be used as a supplement to a regular diet for everyone but can really help with autistic kids who have limited diets.

The powers come in a wide range of flavours and often have the consistency and taste of milkshakes, so can be popular.

Parents could even consider mixing the weight gain powders in with other foods such as oatmeal/porridge.

Naturally before heading down to your nearest supplement suppliers we would advise you to speak to a healthcare professional or dietitian.

Summary – Help an autistic child gain weight

Supporting an autistic child in gaining weight requires patience, understanding, and a tailored approach.

Remember, every child is unique, so it’s essential to adapt these tactics and techniques to your child’s personal preferences.

Often the most successful method would be one of trial and error. Parents would be advised to gradually experiment with high calorie, nutrient rich foods until they find something their child likes.

With time, effort and patience parents can widen their child’s preferences and support healthy weight gain in their autistic child.