Eating problems

[Dinosaurdrip]

I have a 17 DS (he is awaiting assessment for autism) for about 4 years now he has had problems with swallowing food, hes says it feels like it gets stuck, this happens with soft food like mash and harder food.

He also complains of feeling ill after eating, we went to pancake house twice last week at his request and he had maybe 2 mouthfuls and then said he felt ill and couldn't eat it.

Last year he had numerous tests, bloods, x-rays, nasendoscopy and gastroscopy and they found nothing untoward and discharged him but we are obviously still having the same problems. I do wonder if it is maybe psychological but have no idea what to do to help. Has anyone else had anything similar and found out what it was or any tips to eliviate symptoms?

It does sound psychological but it’s been going on for 4 years. Ask your GP for a referral to a SALT. Expect a long wait unless you can go private.

speech and language therapist will be able to assess his swallow reflex. Worth ruling out. It could be OCD as part of his autism

As PP says a swallowing assessment is a good idea.
Has this been a fairly recent thing and is his diet restricted?

This book by Dr Liz Shea is dedicated to our daughter.
She did some relaxation therapy with DD at Birmingham University. We met her and Dr Gillian Harris when we were involved in a documentary about restricted eating. Anything by these two wonderful Clinical Psychologists is highly recommended.

https://www.tgjonesonline.co.uk/product/elizabeth-shea/the-autistic-teens-avoidant-eating-workbook/13040630?utm_campaign=eq_whs_531573&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=awin&aw_affid=531573&awc=3017_1790437261_e676a462e283c28ddc41ac305cfa5af8

Sorry seen you said 4 years

When I feel anxious I can’t eat. It’s more a tummy issue than swallowing but his also could be anxiety based. If he can slowly sip things rather than swallowing large quantities of food as a meal which can overwhelm sensorily, then smoothies, milkshakes, fruit juice etc just to sip on during the day might help get calories in. Definitely get assessments and physical checks done.