Food Issues and Solutions

First things first, so long as you are eating enough, getting enough of the right nutrients and not gaining/loosing weight rapidly don't put too much pressure on yourself to change your diet! Sure we could all probably eat a bit more healthily but at the end of the day food is just fuel.

Most people with autism struggle with some kind of food issues. Some common issues/side effects are:

Tiredness
Lack of nutrition
Tooth decay
Missing out on social events and school because of anxiety to do with food/mealtimes
Digestion issues
Sensory issues

We have come up with some solutions to help with this however it is important to note that these are just suggestions as this is a very difficult thing for most people with autism:

Gradualy exposing them/yourself to a new food (people around you eating it)
If cooking is an interest, try learining how to make a food or use a new ingerdient in a dish that is liked
Often finding new foods takes time and patience. Its also very difficult. Having a "safe"/"comfort" food availiable is important
Dont put pressure on it
Use supliments to get the nutrion if needed
Finding foods that are simmilar, if you like strawberries try a strawberry yougurt
"Try me" bowl, put a new food in a bowl that is there as an option
Specifically for pickier eaters, put food in serving dishes so that they can serve themselves