Just Eat It! Asperger’s and Eating

Like Max Gamer who gets upset if his chicken nuggets aren’t cut up, people with Asperger’s can be very picky eaters.  Telling your child with Asperger’s to “just eat it” isn’t likely to work.  These children tend to be limited in what they will eat and may consume extremely small or extremely large quantities of food.  Anxiety, sensory issues, and control issues can make eating even more of a challenge.  Here are 7 helpful tips to help your child with eating.

• Be patient.   Encourage your child to try new things without making it a battle. 
• It’s not personal.  The more negative emotions are associated with eating, the more difficult it will be for them to try new things.
• Keep it simple.  Simple foods may be less scary from a sensory perspective.
• Routine is important.  Have a mealtime routine and plan meals in advance.  This can help reduce arguments about food and creates a more predictable meal for your child.
• Rewards success.  Offer your child an incentive to try a new food or to eat just a little more of the foods they do like.
• Talk to your Pediatrician.  Consult with your pediatrician or a nutritionist about your child’s caloric and nutrient intake.  Supplements are available and they can help you determine what your child needs.  Nutritionists can be invaluable.
• If sensory issues are part of the problem, and they usually are, a good occupational therapist or speech therapist can help specifically with sensory-related eating problems.

Here’s to good eating to the Aspie Nation!

Amanda McGough, PhD

Southeast Psych