Autism and food shortages do not mix well

[RoseMartha]

Anyone else out there who has a child with autism who will only eat certain foods and in a certain way .

One of my dc is 12 and has asd. Complete meltdown for an hour each time because I have had to cook dinners a bit differently because of food shortages.

I have explained what is happening. Dc came in supermarket with me the other day when we needed one item and saw how bare the shelves are. I explained why. School explained why.

Said dc said they would prefer to starve than eat something different or something they were not keen on or a different make of the same thing.

I then received a mouthful of abuse about how I was a crap cook and mother and I should go to the shop and buy normal and make another dinner. To which I did not comply.

Dinners were fine, tasted more or less the same. But obviously a child with sensory issues would disagree. Plus all the upheaval with routines changing is not helping.

Any ideas on how to manage this?

My dc will not help with the cooking we have tried that before.

Or please share your stories of similar problems.

Sorry I don’t have any experience but bumping for you and sympathies from me you’re a great mum and I’m sorry this is so hard...

100% agree, I have an eating disorder and OCD so can only eat certain foods and like to have them on certain days etc so it's been really hard for me as they haven't had my normal things in (or even replacements around here!). The supermarkets here (south east coastal town) are stripped bare.

90% of my dinner diet is pasta with sauce so I've been fucked lately. The government really need to do something about the supermarkets.

Yes i can relate my son has autism and struggles with routine sensory and textures he hasnt been dealing with it well worried half terms are always hard as hes in such a routine people need to stop stockpiling now the government needs to enforce something or the army need to come out as i can see elderly disabled that cant get out starving and its hard to find baby milk nappies everyday essentials

There are two things here. The actual issue with food and the insults to you. The former is difficult but you should absolutely nip the latter in the bud - have you been given strategies?

One thing that may help depending on his hand-eye co-ordination and muscle strength is to make him cook dinner for all of you once or twice a week based on ingredients you already have. My DN has ASD and this went a really long way to make him less picky - don’t get me wrong he still is picky. But he now eats a more varied diet than he did before.

Yup my son has had breakfast and a few spoonfuls of potatoes he has gone to bed hungry

This is a disaster really I thought he would eat tonights tea he didnt tantrummed flipped out and has finally settled at just after midnight according to the school he doesnt have autism he really fucking does

I am anadult and still have major issues around food.
Have not been able to get get asda Packet mash for 2 weeks. Got a couple left. Sometimes that ALL I eat.
I am another who would starve than eat something different, especially now I do not have my gym coach to help cos gym closed now.
So ashamed, I in my 30s and keep having full on meltdowns (lying on floor crying/screaming/hitting my head/flapping/rocking) cos everything changed so quickly my brain cannot cope. I got no family. I by my own.
I going back to work Monday and they said I can cancel the rest of my leave next week cos I am just stuck at home other than going out for very long walks which is not necessarily good for me cos I walk miles and miles. But I booked all my leave to spend with mum, but nursing home closed now.
So got 3 days, then back to work. Least it be quiet as most people working from home I suppose.
People not understanding why I cannot get my head round this. I do not understand either. I not really know what going on other than no one want to be with me or anyone else

Sorry do not mean to clog up your thread OP! I can become quite incoherent when I am upset!
I am hoping someone might post with tips for kids that I might be able to use myself, as my brain function is minimal right now, and last thing I need is burnout - it is a huge struggle cos I not understanding

Thank you for your replies. So sorry to read about your difficulties too but it helps to know we are not alone with these struggles.

@Splitsunrise thank you 🤗

@nightimebrowser I hope you manage to get more pasta soon. Dc eats a lot of pasta or rice (and not much potato), and I havent been able to buy pasta either.

@Kmx123 Yes there needs to be a better rationing system.

@GrumpyHoonMain
No strategies.
As for the attitude issue, which happens every time something goes even mildly off what was expected. A privilege was lost for that evening. And I received a half apology later on. It is so hurtful though and you would have thought perhaps I had toughened up and not let it upset me by now.
Thanks could try that again last time dc joined in cooking was a disaster.

@slipperywhensparticus
That must be so frustrating, I have a friend who is in the same position as you and hear her struggles to get him a diagnosis. It is so tough. 🙄

@PinkBuffalo
sounds hard but that you are trying your best. 🤗 Can you check every day for the packet mash to be in?
Dont be hard on yourself, you are doing your best. Take one day at a time.

I think we are all reeling from how fast this situation has unravelled. And people who you think are holding it altogether might not be on the inside.