Autistic teenager weight gain

[Usernumber36373647323]

Ds is 15 and autistic. He’s always struggled with his weight somewhat. His diet has always been limited and is very routine with what he eats. Often eating the same things over and over

the last few years he’s gained quite a bit of weight and is considered obese.

we are really trying our best, we feel like his diet has improved albeit still very selective. He’s fairly active, doesn’t sit still for long. Rides his bike etc.

we often have meltdowns if we say no to certain foods or not allowing him to have larger portions and he can get quite aggressive so it’s hard to know how to manage this. He is often obsessive over food

he’s had blood tests to rule out any underlying conditions

he also briefly seen a dietician but it ended as he wasn’t cooperating with them - Tbf their approach wasn’t ideal for autistic individuals.

I feel constantly judged. Comments off the in laws, a teacher commented on his weight gain etc and I’ve ended up crying because I’m literally trying everything I can but also need to protect the rest of the family from violent outbursts when he doesn’t get his own way food wise.

anyone been through this? I feel like it’s easy for people to judge what they don’t understand.

I totally get it @Usernumber36373647323. I have one with ARFID and they’ve gone from being very underweight to overweight in a couple of years.

I ta hard but I think you have to have a thick skin when it comes to other people’s comments. They haven’t walked in your shoes.

I can understand the Dietitian not working out, we found it impossible to get any meaningful support. One thing you could try is the Birmingham Food Refusal Service

Sorry I missed this. The teacher absolutely should not have commented.
I agree with PP about Birmingham. Our daughter accessed the service and they were brilliant.

This book has been written by one of the Clinical Psychologists who used to work there.

https://www.awesomebooks.com/book/9781787758599/the-autistic-teens-avoidant-eating-workbook?gc=GB&dwg=EAIaIQobChMI4teQm7_1lAMVzJNQBh0yfAbWEAQYBCABEgLm4_D_BwE&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22272964231&gbraid=0AAAAADocATDwt_q0GgQkbUrEWGS8vaCdq&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4teQm7_1lAMVzJNQBh0yfAbWEAQYBCABEgLm4_D_BwE

That teacher’s comment is appalling.

Has DS had an OT assessment?

How is DS’s fluid intake?

As well as looking at the Birmingham Food Service, if you can get a referral to the Maudsley, they have a strong AFRID service.

If you haven’t already read them, you might find the books ARFID Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: A Guide for Parents and Carers and Food Refusal and Avoidant Eating in Children, including those with Autism Spectrum Conditions a useful read.