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Son's eating habits

3 replies

yorkshirepuddddiiing · 30/11/2020 20:38

Not an AIBU but i don't tend to get much response elsewhere. I am really anxious and hoping for some reassurance, positive stories, tips, advice, anything really!

My son is 3 and potentially autistic though he is yet to be assessed. His teachers seem to be in agreement that he almost certainly is and I am inclined to agree.

I'm so stressed and worried about his eating habits.

He still drinks a lot of milk and prefers this over food. I always try and persuade him to eat food before milk but meltdowns and lack of communication/understanding make it very difficult. I don't want to make an issue out of milk when it is the most nutritious thing he has.

Best case is that he will eat a few bites here and there of things like dry cereal, toast, sandwich, pizza, chips, nuggets, very occasionally apples and strawberries, crackers, breadsticks. Very plain and not nutritious.

Worst case days are that he will only drink milk.

He is putting on weight as expected for his age, is wearing age 3-4 clothes that fit well. He looks healthy, clear skin, bright eyes, gets plenty of sleep and full of energy.

I know a child with autism really can be a force to be reckoned with especially where food is concerned so I don't like to push the issue too much with him. I don't ever let him see my stress and worry. But I can't shake this feeling that long term he is making himself unhealthy and it could potentially cause problems down the line with his health.

I am trying to look on the bright side and think of the bigger picture, he is doing well with toilet training, his language is improving and he has settled into school nursery well.

Eating just doesn't seem to be getting any better, worse if anything!

Does anyone have any similar experiences or ideas that might help me?

OP posts:
yorkshirepuddddiiing · 30/11/2020 20:39

** copied and pasted from another post ignore the Aibu mention!

OP posts:
PinkDaydreams · 01/12/2020 19:26

Bumping for you as I'm in the same boat although my nearly 3 year old isn't that interested in milk.

Jannt86 · 01/12/2020 20:53

I'm only going by what works for my kid which is just make as many things as available as possible. Snacks to graze on little and often and perhaps mix something 'new' with something he likes. And then try not to fuss about it if he won't eat it. I find mine tries at least a bit of what's in front of her this way. I'm sure it's a million times harder if your child is autistic but I expect similar principles apply. You can only do what you can do. Children will generally get the nutrition they need and I know it must be distressing when he won't eat but if he looks healthy and he is growing then he's getting what he needs so don't worry too much x

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