ASD and Eating

Issues

Kay Williams
10-16-2023
ASD 5410
• Eating problems are common in autistic children.

• These problems can be difficult to understand and control.

• The reasons or causes for these conditions vary.

• One study found atypical eating behaviors occur 70.4% in

autistic children compared to 4.8% in the general
population. (Mayes and Zickgraf (2019).

• It is important to discover the core issue of what is causing

the eating difficulties.

• A plan of action can be implemented once the underlying

cause of the eating disorder is known.
 • Atypical sensory perceptions can contribute to
eating issues for people with autism.

• Individuals may be overly-sensitive to sights,

sounds, smells, tastes, and textures.

• This can cause anxiety surrounding food

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
consumption.

• They will often prefer to eat bland foods that

do not have overpowering smells.

• Under-sensitivity to tastes and smells may lead

to consuming foods that have strong flavors.

• Particular smells and flavors can be a source of

enjoyment for some individuals while others may
find them unbearable.
• Foods can be modified to improve the sensory
experience.

• Pureeing food can change the texture to a more

preferred texture that is acceptable to the person.

• Foods can be chopped into bite size pieces.

• Foods can be shaped into triangles, animals,

numbers or whatever shape your child prefers.

• Food coloring can be added to change the

appearance of the food to make it more appealing
to your child.

• The goal is for gradual desensitization.

• Children should be permitted to look at their food,
then touch it, then smell it, lick it, put it in their
mouth, chew and swallow it.

• If the food is spit out, do not react negatively.

• Allow them to be comfortable with different foods

being in and around their mouth.

• New foods and textures should be introduced in

small steps.

• The goal is to learn about and be comfortable with

different foods.
• According to Fields, Soke and Reynolds (2021),
pica is a less well-known issue among children
with ASD.

• Pica is a condition in which a person repeatedly

eats things that are not food such as dirt, paint
chips, clay, stones, cigarette butts and even
feces.

• Medical, dietary, sensory or behavioral issues

may contribute to autistic students might
experience pica.

• Students may have the inability to distinguish

between foods and non-foods.

• Autistic children may seek out non-food items

for a number of reasons.
• Skill Building practices to teach identification of food and non-
foods.

• Use real items and have children group them into two categories:
food and non-foods

• Use pictures and have children circle food items and put an x on
non-food items.
• Children seeking out sensory input such as texture or taste of the item can
contribute to pica.

• Children may seek out non-food items to relieve stress, anxiety, pain,
discomfort, seek attention, avoid demands or have an iron deficiency.

• Because eating nonfood items can cause serious physical harm it is important
that parents and caregivers discuss treatments for pica with the child’s
healthcare provider.

• It is important to closely monitor children with pica and to lock up any harmful
items.

• If the child is seen putting nonfood items in their mouth, it is important to

respond neutrally when the behavior occurs.

• Give a firm no with little eye contact, reinforcing it with a symbol.

• Replace the nonfood item with an appropriate alternative.
• Remember pica can lead to serious medical and surgical
problems.

• Gastrointestinal parasites

• Lead toxicity

• Choking

• Poisoning

• Blockages

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Perforations
• Other medical issues to consider.

• Physical pain and discomfort can affect how a person eats.

• Constipation can reduce appetite.

• Toothaches and mouth ulcers affect appetite.

• Medications can disrupt eating.

• Healthcare workers can help an autistic person communicate pain by using

PECs, pictures of body parts and pain scales.
 Over-Eating Issues

• If over-eating is not caused by a medical issue, you can address the issue by:

• Reducing food portions

• Using smaller dinner plates

• Show the child the empty bowl or pot

• Lock food in a pantry

• Don’t purchase unhealthy treats

• Encourage physical movement and good eating habits

 Under-Eating Issues

• If there are no underlying medical causes you can address the issues by:

• Increasing the amount of food portions

• Use a bigger plate

• Increase the person’s contact with food

• Allow the child to participate in meal preparation

• Use supplemental nutrition

 Social Considerations

• Some children may eat better in the company of their family or peers.

• They may be willing to try new foods if they see others trying the same foods.

• Some children prefer to eat alone in another room.

• Some children will eat with others in the same room but at another table.

• It is important to be respectful and understanding of their wishes.

• If you are eating elsewhere prepare the person in advance.

 Works Referenced
Mayes S. D., Zickgraf H. (2019). Atypical eating behaviors in children and adolescents with
autism, ADHD, other disorders, and typical development. Research in Autism Spectrum
Disorders, 64, 76–83. 10.1016/j.rasd.2019.04.002

Fields, V. L., Soke, G. N., Reynolds, A., Tian, L. H., Wiggins, L., Maenner, M., ... & Schieve, L. A.
(2021). Pica, Autism, and Other Disabilities. Pediatrics, 147(2), 1-8..