Children with autism can have a complex relationship with food, but what should you do if your autistic child is underweight?

Autism and weight

Raising a child on the autism spectrum can be both rewarding and challenging.

Your unwavering love and support are invaluable in helping your child navigate the world around them.

However, if you find yourself concerned about your autistic child’s weight, we understand your anxiety.

You have this natural desire to do everything possible to ensure their well-being.

In this article, we aim to offer guidance and compassion on how to address the issue of your autistic child being underweight.

Seek professional guidance

As helpful as the internet can be you should always speak to an expert on a subject such as your child’s weight.

It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or a registered dietitian.

They can assess your child’s overall health, nutritional needs, and any underlying medical conditions that may be affecting their weight.

Together, you can develop a personalised plan that addresses your child’s specific needs and preferences.

Implement sensory friendly eating environment

Autistic children may find mealtimes overwhelming due to sensory issues.

Create a calming environment during meals by minimising distractions, using neutral-colored tableware, and adjusting lighting and noise levels to suit your child’s comfort.

You may want to try offering your child ear defenders during meal times to block out external noises.

Offer foods at room temperature if extreme temperatures are a concern.

Offer frequent meals

Instead of focusing on three large meals a day, consider offering the child smaller, more frequent meals and snacks.

This approach can be less overwhelming for an autistic child and may help them consume more calories throughout the day.

Add calories to diet

There are many ways in which you can add calories to a child’s diet. After speaking to a dietitian you could consider mixing dollops of cream cheese into meals.

Depending on your child’s preferences cream cheese can be mixed in easily and not only adds to flavour but is high in calories.

Cream cheese mixes well with foods such as spaghetti bolognese and stews.

You can try a similar tactic with foodstuffs such as butter or cream.

Introduce new high calorie foods

Introduce new foods in a gradual and non-threatening manner.

Pair unfamiliar foods with familiar ones to make the experience more enjoyable and less intimidating.

Again this is largely dependent on your child’s personal choices but think outside of the box in terms of what foods can go together.

It could be for example cutting up bacon or other fatty meats and serving with a regular meal.

Be aware of sensory factors

Be mindful of the child’s sensory sensitivities to food textures and temperatures.

Experiment with different cooking methods and food presentations to find what works best for them.

If your child for example only likes dry and crunchy foods something like adding cream cheese may be a struggle.

What you could do however is glaze oven meals in butter which would add calories and provide extra crunch.

It may also be that your child doesn’t like the feeling of cutlery so you could try different, sensory friendly options.

Use visual supports

Visual aids, such as picture charts or visual schedules, can help the child understand and anticipate mealtimes.

This can wind up making the process more structured and predictable.

In the same vein try to turn mealtimes into a structured and routine based process. Autistic children often thrive on routine so this could make it more palatable.

Keep track of your child’s weight

This seems obvious but it can be quite easy to rely on judging your child’s weight via how they look.

Keep track of your child’s weight progress by weighing them regularly.

You could try and install a weekly or daily routine with your child. Some parents have had success with weighing their child just before bath time.

If you do manage to weigh them regularly don’t panic over slow or little progress.

Instead, observe how they are responding to the dietary changes and their overall energy levels.

A gradual and steady weight gain is more sustainable and healthier for your child than rapid changes.

Be patient and understanding

Caring for an underweight autistic child requires patience and empathy.

Understand that autistic kids may have sensory sensitivities and aversions to certain foods, textures, or smells.

It may take time to find foods that your child enjoys and that also meet their nutritional requirements.

Don’t get discouraged if progress is slow; small steps forward are still steps in the right direction.

Summary – Autistic child underweight

It is important to remember, every child is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Your child’s needs may change over time, so stay open to adjustments in their dietary plan and seek professional advice whenever necessary.

Parenting an underweight autistic child requires sensitivity, understanding, and a willingness to adapt.

Working closely with healthcare professionals and being receptive to the child’s needs will contribute to a positive outcome in their weight gain journey.