The Autism Program of Illinois Tip Sheet - Eating Tips

1. Autism Spectrum Disorders
Tips & Resources
Tip Sheet 17
Eating Tip Sheet
75% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are “resistant eaters”. These children select
foods with a similar trait (ex: white foods) and have specific preferences for taste and texture. Many
have tantrum behavior when introduced to new foods and may refuse to approach the table and will
gag or vomit when encouraged to eat. “Food Jags” are periods when a child will insist on eating the
exact same food (hot dogs, chicken nuggets, mac and cheese etc.). After a period of weeks or months
they may spontaneously refuse to eat even this food.
Treatment plans for resistant eaters involve creating a safe and nurturing environment in which to eat
while respecting the child’s needs. Expanding responsibilities for preparing meals and cleaning up
often aids compliance in eating. In some cases Occupational Therapists may be consulted for the
purpose of improving oral-motor development. Older children often enjoy doing experiments with
food while playing with food helps younger children become comfortable with new foods.
Generally speaking, children should receive at least one preferred item at every meal and the eating
environment should be stress-free. The child should be empowered to end the meal in a positive
manner. Written rules and schedules support good eating habits. Between meal “grazing” often adds
to noncompliance with meal time eating.
Recipe for Success
 Make a mealtime plan a priority.
 Identify and reduce factors that create stress at mealtimes.
 Expand the child’s responsibilities for preparing, eating, and cleaning up.
 Trust and acknowledge the child’s inner knowing and follow his lead.
 Make changes slowly.
 Be fully present and fully attentive when you are with your child.
Rev.0612
Prepared by: The TAP Service Center at The Hope Institute for Children and Families www.theautismprogram.org

2. Autism Spectrum Disorders
Tips & Resources
References and Resources
Just Take a Bite: Easy, Effective Answers to Food Aversion and Eating Challenges (2004). Lori Ernsperger & Tania Stegan Hanson.
Future Horizons, 1-800-489-0727.
nd
1. Pre-Feeding Skills, A Comprehensive Resource For Mealtime Development. 2 edition (2002).
Suzanne Evans Morris, PH.D., CCC-SLP and Marsh Dunn Klein, M.ED., OTR/L. Therapy Skill Buiders.
www.new-vis.com
2. The Out-Of-Sync Child. Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A. Future Horizons.
3. The Out-Of-Sync Child has Fun. Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A. Sensory Resources.
4. Answers to Questions Teachers Ask About Sensory Integration. Carol Stock Kranowitz and
Stacey Szklut, MS, OTR/L. Future Horizons.
5. Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders. (1972). J. Ayers. Western Psychological Services.
6. How to get Your Child to Eat, But not Too Much. (1987). E. Statter, Bull Publishing.
7. Secrets of Feeding a Healty Family. (1999). E. Satter, Kelcy Press.
8. Normal Development of Functional Motor Skills, Rona Alexander, Ph.D., CCC-SP; Regi Boehme, OTR and Barbara
Cupps, PT.
9. Mouth Madness: Oral Motor Activities for Children, (1998). Catherine Orr, M.A., OTR. Therapy Skill Builders.
10. Pilner and Hobden (1992). Development of a Scale to Measure the Trait of Food Neophobia in Human, Appetite, v.
19.
11. North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. www.naspgn.org, 215-333-
0808.
12. Applying Sensory Integration Principles Where Children Live, Learn, and Play: www.sensoryresouces.com. (video).
13. www.usda.gov. US Department of Agriculture.
14. Future Horizons Publishing Co.: www.futurehorizons-autism.com, 1-800-489-0727.
15. Dole Company, Five a day Program: On-line catalogue for educators. www.5aday.com
16. The Educators Guide to Feeding Children with Disabilities, Lowman & Murphy. Paul J. Brookes Co.,
www.pbrookes.com.
17. NCES catalogue of nutrition and education resources: www.ncescatalog.com.
18. Abilitations Catalogue: products specializing in positioning and oral motor development. www.abilitations.com
19. Keys to Success for Teaching Students with Autism (2003). Ernsperger, Lori. Future Horizons Publishing.
20. Childhood Feeding Disorders, Kedesdy & Budd (1998). Paul Brookes Pub., www.brookespublishing.com.
21. Oral-Motor Activities for Young Children (1996). Mackie, E. Linguisystems Inc. www.linguisystems.com
22. The equipment shop: www.equipmentshop.com
23. Therapro: www.theraproducts.com
24. Neat Sheet: www.theneatsheet.com
25. Simply thick: www.simplythick.com
26. USDA National Nutrient Database: www.nal.usda.gov
27. Southpaw Enterprises: www.southpawenterprise.com
28. Get permission Approach (video) with Marsha Dunn Klein. www.mealtimenotions.com
29. Talk Tools Catalogue www.talktoolstm.com
Rev.0612
Prepared by: The TAP Service Center at The Hope Institute for Children and Families www.theautismprogram.org