Feeding Challenges for Children with Autism

If you’re raising a child with autism who struggles with eating, you’re not alone. Up to 70% of autistic children experience challenges like extreme pickiness, food refusal, or difficulty with mealtimes – compared to only about 5% of typically developing children. As a parent, you might wonder: Is this just part of autism? Can it be addressed? And what can I do to help my child? 

When It’s More than Just “Picky Eating”

When eating difficulties significantly impact your child’s nutrition, development, or family life, it may be what specialists call “Pediatric Feeding Disorder” or PFD. This isn’t just about being “picky” – it’s a complex challenge with multiple causes that often requires professional support. 

Hidden Medical Issues

Many children with autism have underlying medical issues that make eating uncomfortable. These can include stomach pain, constipation, acid reflux, or food intolerances. These physical discomforts are often missed because autistic children may not express pain in typical ways. 

Your child might refuse certain foods not because they’re being “stubborn,” but because those foods actually cause physical discomfort. For example, a child who pushes away milk and yogurt might be experiencing bloating or pain from dairy sensitivity. 

Nutrition Concerns 

Even if your child eats enough calories, they might still be missing important nutrients. Limited variety (like only drinking milk or only eating carbohydrates) can mean missing vitamins and minerals that support healthy development. 

These nutritional gaps can affect your child’s energy, behavior, sleep, and development. A feeding therapist and registered dietitian can help you identify what nutrients your child might be missing and suggest supplements or food alternatives to try. 

When to Seek Professional Help:

It might be time to reach out to professionals if: 

• Your child eats fewer than 20 different foods

• Your child has dropped several foods and isn’t adding new ones 

• Mealtimes are consistently stressful for your family 

• Your child gags, chokes, or vomits regularly with eating 

• You’re concerned about your child’s growth or nutrition 

Start by talking to your pediatrician about possible medical causes and request referrals to feeding specialists like speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and registered dietitians who understand autism. 

Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll explore why autistic children prefer certain foods and how sensory processing affects eating!

The information in this article is adapted from training from Feeding Matters and the Pediatric Feeding Institute.

If you have more questions, feel free to call our office! 856-492-1355