Do you struggle with a child with autism who is also a picky eater? This is a common problem yet it can be easier to solve than you might think. Here are 5 terrific tips to minimize picky eating with children with autism:
1. Figure out why your child is being picky. Does your child really not like the foods you are serving? Or is its the way those foods are prepared, cooked or served? Once you have figured this out, make an inventory list of all the foods that your child does like to eat.
2. Involve your child with autism in cooking, and meal preparation. Children are able to help more than you might think, and many of them actually enjoy helping. It can be something as simple as opening a can, or learning how to chop vegetables (if you aren’t worried about your child and a knife), or even defrosting chicken in the microwave.
3. Consider growing a garden. Studies have proven that children who have a garden are a lot more likely to eat and to ask for vegetables and fruits than those who do not. If you don’t have yard space, you can try container gardening, or finding a community garden where you can have a small plot.
4. Show your child pictures of foods that he or she can choose from when preparing a meal. This helps your child to feel involved with meals and he or she is a lot more likely to eat foods that he or she has chosen.
5. If there are certain foods you don’t want your child to have, then don’t keep them in the house period. It may be hard because you, your spouse or another child may want to eat them but it’s crucial to improving the diet and health of your child with autism.
Need more detailed help? Check out my Healthy Eating for Children with Autism Online Course
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