Introduce new foods slowly, and in small amounts

When introducing new foods, do it in small, manageable amounts. Start with one new food at a time. This may take longer but it creates trust and confidence to try new foods.

Find their Sensory Preference

Kids may be oral sensory seekers, Adapt to their sensory needs by considering the types of foods you give them and the way it’s served. Lots of kids like crunchy foods, some options that have a crunchy sensation is cucumbers, celery, sugar snap peas, apples, string beans, apples and carrots.

Add more Color to their Diet by..

Children with autism lean forwards food lacking color because it’s not intimidating and they trust that color. Add more color (fruits and veggies) to their food by freezing it in popsicles, blending it in smoothies, dip it in a sauce, drizzle it on top of a meal, or put it on a skewer. Sneak some fruits and veggies in by adding them to baked goods, and adding food dye to it to make it look fun. Mix fruit and veggies into foods they already enjoy.

Change the texture, shape and appearance

Change the texture,  shape or appearance of a food they already enjoy. For example, if your child likes apples, cut them into slices, and make applesauce and apple pie. This can lead to more comfort and trust with various food in the future.

Keep Trying

Kids need to be offered food as many as 15 times before they will eat it. Keep trying using different preparation methods, and try to remain patient.