Overcoming Feeding Problems in a Child with Autism

From Lisa Jo Rudy, former About.com Guide

Updated July 21, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

No one really knows why so many children with autism are picky eaters, says Kimberly Kroeger-Geoppinger, an assistant pediatrics professor at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. But there's no doubt that it's a common phenomenon. That means that parents' permissiveness is probably not the cause.

Kroeger says there are several possible reasons for autistic children's pickiness. "We know that children with autism tend to select down, eliminating one food from their diet at a time. The reasons could be sensory (a new discomfort with a particular smell, taste or feel), or even a randomly developed routine."

Previous

• Know That Picky Eaters with Autism are Common - And the Reasons are Unknown
• Be Aware When a Child Starts to Reject a Food, and Nip the Problem in the Bud
• Choose a Food That's Similar to Those Your Child Likes Best
• Take Baby Steps When Introducing a Food
• Take More Baby Steps
• Avoid Creating a Power Struggle Between You and Your Child with Autism

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