Getting your child to try new foods can be a never-ending battle. Between chicken nuggets, fries, and other sugary snacks, getting your child to eat broccoli, avocado, or other delicious and healthy foods can be tough. However, some children with autism have special reasons for only liking certain foods and avoiding others. It’s essential to understand the “why”—such as sensory issues and food rituals—before introducing new flavors.

Here are the best diet options for your child with autism to help you along the journey.

Autism & Diets: What’s the Connection?

Why do some children with autism have dietary challenges? Individuals with autism often have unbalanced diets due to the following:

• Sensory and texture challenges
• Decrease in appetite or metabolism
• Food sensitivities
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Rituals or routines around eating
• Strongly preferring specific dishes or foods

All these factors can contribute to your child’s dietary issues, making it tough to create a balanced meal or introduce new flavors in the kitchen.

What Foods Should They Avoid?

Some children with autism have food sensitivities and gut imbalances, which can make it difficult for them to try new foods. However, you can help them avoid eating or drinking food items that make them feel ill by cutting the following items from their diet:

• Highly processed foods
• Soy
• Corn
• Artificial ingredients
• Gluten
• Dairy products

We suggest working with a pediatrician and a nutritionist to find the best diet for your child. Our team at HANDS will work with you to create plans to help your child become more amenable to introducing new foods into their diet. We offer parent training for autism to help implement methods at home, ensuring your child is continuously learning and using their developmental skills. Contact us for more information about our services.