Issues with food are common in kids with ASD, but what do you do if your autistic child won’t eat at school?

Below we go into why this behaviour may be occuring and crucially what you can do about it.

Autism and eating at school

Every parent wants their child to thrive at school, and one of the key components of a successful day is a nutritious meal.

However, for parents of autistic children, ensuring that their child eats well during the school day can be a significant challenge.

It’s important to understand that there are unique factors that can influence why an autistic child may not eat at school.

So below we’ll explore these factors and provide strategies to help parents support their autistic children.

With the all round goal in maintaining a healthy diet away from home.

Why won’t they eat at school?

Whilst every child is different there are some common strands which will be leading to this behaviour;

Limited preferences

Most parents of autistic children would have experienced this difficult tendancy.

It is no secret therfore that many autistic children will have very specific food preferences or aversions.

They may be extremely selective about what they eat, favoring certain textures, tastes, or colours.

When faced with unfamiliar or un-preferred foods at school, they may choose to skip meals altogether.

The solution to this problem involves working as a team, and it may be something you have already tried.

Parents can consider collaborating with school staff to create a list of preferred foods and textures.

They can work together to incorporate these into the school menu.

Another option would be to provide the child with the exact same meals they eat at home.

This may however be too much of an chore on the school but you can only ask.

Routine

Another hallmark of autism is a fondness for routine and predictablilty.

A sudden change in the school schedule or mealtime can disrupt their eating habits.

Parents can help by maintaining a consistent daily routine and communicating with school staff to ensure that the child’s mealtime remains consistent and predictable.

One tactic which could be tried here would be to tell the child in advance what is being served for lunch.

A schedule board with pictures will likely ease anxiety and make the child more receptive to eating at school.

Sensory factors

Autistic kids often experience heightened sensory sensitivities.

The cafeteria environment, with its bustling noise, bright lights, and various smells, can be overwhelming for many autistic children.

This sensory overload can therefore make it difficult for them to focus on eating.

To address this issue, parents can work with the school to find quieter, more comfortable spaces for their child to eat.

Another alternative is to explore the possibility of using noise-cancelling headphones or sunglasses to help reduce sensory input.

Social struggles

Social interactions can be challenging for autistic children.

If you add that to the fact that mealtimes often involve socialising with peers, you can see why they can be problematic.

This all results in autistic children feeling anxious or uncomfortable eating around others, leading them to avoid food at school.

To address this, parents can work on social skills with their child.

They can collaborate with the school to provide a supportive and understanding environment during mealtime.

Something like having a separate area for just a select group of children to eat may be more comfortable for an autistic child.

Communication

Many autistic children struggle with communication.

They may find it challenging to express their hunger, preferences, or discomfort.

Parents can support their child by using visual aids, such as picture cards or a communication device, to help them convey their needs and preferences to school staff.

Summary – Autistic child won’t eat at school?

It’s essential for parents to remember that every autistic child is unique, and their eating habits at school can vary widely.

Understanding the specific challenges the child faces and working collaboratively with school staff to address those challenges is key.

Patience, empathy, and open communication are crucial in supporting your autistic child’s nutritional needs.

By working together, parents and schools can create an environment where autistic children feel comfortable, understood, and nourished while away from home.