An autism diet for picky eaters? Is it possible? Do you wonder how to make an autism diet work for your child because your child seemingly will only eat fried chicken, macaroni and pizza? The reality is that while it is more difficult, it is possible and I will help you learn how in this post.
First, take it slow. If you have read anything else about how to help your child with autism follow a special diet, then you probably already know this. However, I can’t emphasize it enough. If you try to all of a sudden change everything with your child’s diet then you will fail. So what do I mean by slow? It depends on what your ultimate goal with an autism diet is for your child. If you plan on fully implementing the gluten free casein free diet, then you will proceed differently than if you are just trying to get your child to eat healthier and more vegetables.
Second, Decide what your ultimate goal is with your child’s diet. You also want to have a strong why and understand how long you plan on doing the diet with your child. I usually recommend that you try to have your child stick with it for at least a few years and ideally forever if possible.
Third, Get strict about menu planning. If your child is able to help you, involve your child. Let him or her chose what foods he or she wants to eat based off of the list you provide.
Fourth, get rid of any foods your child cannot have from your house. If it isn’t in your house, your child won’t be able to eat it. It doesn’t matter if you have other children who may be able to still eat those foods, you can’t have them around at all in order for you to succeed with a picky eater.
Fifth, accept that meltdowns and tantrums will happen. Stick to your guns as a parent and realize that your child will eventually get over it.
Sixth, research ways to recreate your child’s favorite foods without the things you don’t want him or her to eat. For example you can make fried chicken in an air fryer with just a little bit of oil and it will taste great. You can also make pizza without dairy or gluten or even buy some at the store. I’ve found that Walmart has the best selection.
Seventh, find ways to sneak vegetables into your child’s favorite foods and you don’t have to tell your child what is in the food they are eating.
Eighth, consider hiring a health coach like myself or someone else to give you professional help. In most cases if your child is a very picky eater, you won’t be able to successfully do it all on your own without some help from someone who has experience with an autism diet for picky eaters. I’ve also written an ebook you can download to help you with this.
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