One of the most consistent challenges I have observed as a therapist in this field is eating. So many children on the spectrum struggle with trying new foods for a variety of reasons. Many parents have expressed concerns regarding their child’s rigid diet and lack of nutritional foods. Below I have compiled some tips that have helped children to eat more and try novel foods.
Be Flexible
This is the tip that has provided me the most success with a variety of children in my room, because it can be applied in so many different ways. Of course, the end goal is for the child to sit safely at the table and eat a balanced meal, but we can’t get to that point without taking smaller steps.
Sitting
A child may benefit from being able to stand rather than sit at the table. Often times I will offer this as an option and it can make a world of difference. Similarly, allowing a child to sit and chew one bite at a time then providing them a movement break away from the table can support their ability to come back and be safe at the table.
Tangibles
A child might benefit from holding a preferred tangible during meal times. It can often be stressful for children to try new foods, especially if they are not in the comfort of their home. Allowing them to hold a preferred toy car or Lego person can make a huge difference! It also provides the opportunity to show them that the food is safe by having the toy person eat the food, or having the car fuel up by guzzling some of the food.
When utilizing a tangible, don’t take away the item if the child is not trying a new food or is struggling to eat. The tangible in this case is used to help the child feel safe, not as a reward, so removing it will likely just add to their hesitation with new foods. I only set the expectation that the toy stays at the table, and if the child chooses to utilize a movement break they can leave the toy until they come back. This helps prevent the child from walking away for too long and isolating with their tangible.
Table Manners
When helping a child who is dealing with sensory issues, is important to be flexible with how the child is eating. What I mean is that the child may eat all of their pasta if they are able to explore it with their hands first. Since I work with very young children, one of the goals is often to expose them to utensils and support them eating with a fork or spoon for the first time. However, for a child who is already struggling to eat, asking them to use utensils may be too many expectations at once.
I will offer a spoon for their pudding at lunch each day, but if they choose to use their hands or drink the pudding right from the container, that is okay too. When dealing with an extremely rigid eater, the most important thing as that they are eating. Period.
New Foods
When introducing a novel food, there are many ways to help your child be successful. First, allow the child to simply explore the item. For example, when I have exposed children to a vegetable like broccoli, the goal of the first few days might just be for them to tolerate the broccoli sitting in front of them. Next, I might encourage them to touch the broccoli or pick it up. Then, I'll encourage them to tolerate it being a little bit closer for a longer amount of time. By working in small increments, the child is able to work at their own speed, which can lead to a positive association with the food rather than a negative.
Support
Lastly, I will always recommend seeking out support from specialists if you feel that you have exhausted your options. If your child’s rigid eating is greatly impacting their diet and nutrition, it may be helpful to seek support from occupational therapists, nutritionists, or a feeding clinic depending on the specific challenges for your child.
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