ASD diet

[Rak33]

Hi my son is 6 he was diagnosed with high functioning autism last year, since he was around 18 months he became extremely fussy with his food for the last couple of years he’s eaten the same food this includes cereal, bread & cheese pizza. The only fruit & veg I can get him to eat is cucumber, raw carrot & apples. He’s just started to take vitamins but I feel like he’s not getting the nutrition he needs daily. Anyone else have the same problem or have some advice? Also he has lots of food allergies he’s allergic to eggs, nuts & sesame seed oil

Yes, mine has a very restricted diet too. I think it’s quite common with autism as it’s a sensory issue combined with a need for routine and repetition as well as a fear of trying something different.

If you are concerned then you can see your GP and ask for a referral to a paediatric dietician. They will analyse his diet to see what’s missing.

My Ds is 15 and has a very restricted diet, can be difficult and frustrating at times. It has definitely not restricted his height though. He is just about reaching 6ft although he is very slim.

Sounds really familiar even down to the particular foods! We add plain boiled pasta to the list too! Can't offer much help other than empathy that you're not alone. I hide vitamins in apple juice twice daily and have also started with a probiotic powder in milk.

Very similar here too. We have started probiotics and vitamins as well.

I found this article recently from The Aspie Chef, which I think has some good advice theaspiechef.com/3-tips-for-parents-of-picky-eaters/.

Good article magicroundabouts, at once interesting and frustrating. My ds’ eating issues started at 2 when he just dropped most of the foods he was previously eating. Since then he has dropped more foods and gained none. He absolutely refuses to try anything new (including foods he ate happily pre 2 years old).

Hi open, yes I find it so frustrating trying to work out the reasons behind the fussiness and how to help.

My DS will occasionally try something new (as long as it fits his criteria, veg has to be raw!), but at the same time he drops other food he used to love. For ages I could rely on him eating a peanut butter sandwich, but not anymore

I guess (hope) it is a case of just keep gently encouraging (except when it comes to sweets - no issues there at all!)