Abstract. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder exhibit atypical taste perception and eating behaviours. However, little is known about the effect of autistic traits on eating behaviours in the general population.
Children on the autism spectrum are more likely to have a restricted diet, refusing more foods and eating a more limited food repertoire than their typically developing peers [4–6].
These can include extreme sensitivity to change and sensory stimuli, as well as an intense focus on details. For instance, many children and adults on the spectrum are extremely sensitive to not just flavor, but also the color, smell and texture of foods.
Eating problems are common in autistic people.
Issues such as only eating very few foods, not being able to eat at school, going long periods of time without eating and pica (eating non-foods) can feel difficult to understand and manage.
Sensory issues with food: Kids on the autism spectrum often express a strong preference for foods that feel a certain way in their mouths. Some prefer soft or creamy foods like yogurt, soup or ice cream; others need the stimulation that crunchy foods like Cheetos or — if a parent is lucky, carrots — provide.
In our previous work, we found that individuals with autism process tastes and smells differently from their peers. Furthermore, these differences may be related to their likes and dislikes of certain foods.
Kids with autism can be extremely selective when it comes to eating. An estimated 46–89% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have feeding problems. ASD children struggle with sensory defensiveness, a need for routine and sameness, and visual overstimulation which makes expanding the palate difficult.
Autism often comes with hypersensitivity to textures. So remember that it may be how a food feels in the mouth, rather than its flavor, that produces a food aversion. The squishiness of a fresh tomato is a classic example. Try chopping or blending such foods to smooth out the offending texture.
Mealtime Behaviors
Children with autism can experience immense anxiety during mealtimes. For some, sensory aversions are the cause while others fear trying unfamiliar foods. These feelings of anxiety can shut down a child's hunger, and they may not get enough food to meet their daily nutritional needs.
Many kids with autism also have postural issues that interfere with eating. Low muscle tone, for example, can make it difficult to maintain an upright seated position. Autism-related sensory aversions are another common reason for eating problems.
Many individuals affected by autism either avoid or crave certain flavors, food textures or even colors. Similarly, many want to eat from only certain food groups, such as grains or dairy. Some gravitate strongly to certain food types, such as pasta or bread or sweets.
For people with autism, this sense can be heightened and more sensitive than for those who do not have autism. They may experience strong reactions to certain smells, which can significantly affect their behavior and well-being.
However, children with autism often have more chronic feeding problems that go beyond picky eating. This may mean the child won't eat an entire category of food such as proteins or vegetables. Or it may mean that a child exhibits intense problem behaviors when offered foods they don't like.
Signs of High-Functioning Autism in Children
May appear more mature for their age and have above-average intelligence. A tendency to avoid eye contact. Trouble deviating from a routine or adapting to changes. Trouble making friends and maintaining social relationships or not “fitting in” with peers.
Some autistic children might graze all day, and some might eat too much at meals. If your child has overeating habits, it's good to work out why. This can help you manage your child's eating behaviour. Some children eat more because their medicine increases their appetite.
While cognitive empathy can be lower in people with autism, affective empathy—which is based on instincts and involuntary responses to the emotions of others—can be strong and overwhelming. In fact, newer research suggests that some people with autism may actually feel other people's emotions more intensely.
Autistic people can often have trouble sleeping. There are a range of reasons for this including difficulties with relaxing or winding down and irregular melatonin levels. Problems with sleep can be an issue for both autistic adults and children.
Some steer clear of foods with smooth, creamy textures, such as mashed potatoes and yogurt, and others avoid foods with lumps (oatmeal) or foods that require chewing (meat and raw vegetables).
People with mild autism may have advanced academic abilities, but struggle with social skills, sensory challenges, or organization. Children and adults can exhibit different signs. Support needed for a person with level 1 autism might include: Building self-control. Controlling emotions.
Children with autism are often clumsy, physically awkward or uncoordinated.
In conclusion, there are many factors that can make autism worse. Sensory overload, changes in routine, social isolation, co-occurring conditions, and lack of support can all exacerbate the symptoms of autism.
Abstract. Backgrounds: Autistic adults tend to prefer eating alone, which may result in further social isolation. This study aims to understand contexts of challenges autistic adults face when eating with other people outside home. Methods: We explored autistic subjectivities actively situated in eating environments.
As discussed above, your autistic child might like to eat the same foods over and over, day in and day out because these samefoods are consistent, predictable, and safe. They don't overwhelm the senses and they taste the same each and every time they're consumed. So samefoods are comforting for your child.