Autism and Picky Eating: A Complete Guide to Food Selectivity
Understanding why your autistic child is a selective eater and evidence-based strategies to expand their diet while keeping mealtimes positive.
Mealtimes can be stressful. You are not alone. Research shows up to 70% of autistic children have feeding issues. It is more than just being "picky."
This guide helps you understand why. We use CDC info and therapy research. We offer tips to help your child eat better.
We've Been There: Mealtimes in Our Family
"Food selectivity was one of our biggest challenges after our son's autism diagnosis. For years, his diet was limited to just a handful of foods, and mealtimes were incredibly stressful for our whole family. Through working with feeding specialists and applying behavioral strategies consistently, we gradually expanded his food repertoire. It took patience, but progress was possible – and that experience shapes how we support families at Buzz ABA today."
– The Monico Family, Founders of Buzz ABA
Why Autistic Children Are Selective Eaters
Picky eating in autism goes far beyond typical childhood food preferences. Understanding the underlying causes is essential for finding effective solutions:
Sensory Sensitivities
The most common factor in autism-related food selectivity. Children may be sensitive to:
- Texture: Mushy, crunchy, slimy, or mixed textures may be intolerable
- Taste: Heightened sensitivity to bitter, sour, or complex flavors
- Smell: Strong or unfamiliar food odors may be overwhelming
- Temperature: Preference for only hot or only cold foods
- Appearance: Specific colors, shapes, or presentations may be required
Need for Sameness
Many autistic children strongly prefer routine and predictability. This can manifest as:
- Only eating specific brands
- Foods must be prepared exactly the same way each time
- Extreme distress if a familiar food looks slightly different
- Eating the same meals repeatedly
Oral Motor Differences
Some children have differences in how their mouth muscles work:
- Difficulty chewing certain textures
- Weak oral muscles affecting eating
- Hypersensitive gag reflex
- Difficulty coordinating chewing and swallowing
Anxiety and Control
Food and eating can become sources of anxiety:
- Fear of trying new or unfamiliar foods
- Past negative experiences with certain foods
- Food as one area where child can exert control
- Social anxiety around eating with others
Understanding ARFID
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is common in autism. It is a real feeding disorder. It is different from normal picky eating.
Signs of ARFID
- •Eating fewer than 20 different foods
- •Nutritional deficiencies or need for supplements
- •Weight loss or failure to gain weight appropriately
- •Significant interference with social functioning
- •Dependence on oral supplements or tube feeding
If you suspect ARFID, get help. Look for a feeding specialist.
Evidence-Based Strategies for Expanding Diet
1. Food Chaining
Gradually introduce new foods by building on accepted foods:
- Identify properties of foods your child accepts
- Find new foods with similar properties
- Make small changes to accepted foods over time
- Example: French fries → sweet potato fries → roasted sweet potato
2. Systematic Desensitization
Reduce anxiety around new foods through gradual exposure:
- Tolerate food on the table
- Tolerate food on plate
- Touch food with utensil
- Touch food with finger
- Smell food
- Kiss or lick food
- Bite and spit out
- Chew and swallow small amount
3. Positive Mealtime Environment
Create conditions that reduce stress around eating:
- Remove pressure to eat specific amounts
- Offer new foods without commenting or watching
- Include at least one accepted food at each meal
- Keep mealtimes consistent and predictable
- Consider sensory aspects of the dining environment
4. Food Play and Exploration
Allow interaction with food outside of mealtimes:
- Cooking and food preparation activities
- Sensory play with food (when appropriate)
- Grocery shopping and food selection
- Growing vegetables or herbs
How ABA Therapy Helps with Feeding
ABA therapy offers structured, evidence-based approaches to feeding challenges:
ABA Feeding Interventions
- •Functional assessment: Identifying the specific factors driving food selectivity
- •Positive reinforcement: Rewarding food exploration and acceptance
- •Systematic presentation: Structured approaches to introducing new foods
- •Parent training: Teaching families to implement strategies consistently
- •Data collection: Tracking progress and adjusting approaches
Practical Tips for Parents
Do
- ✓ Offer variety without pressure
- ✓ Model eating diverse foods yourself
- ✓ Praise any interaction with new foods
- ✓ Keep mealtimes calm and positive
- ✓ Be patient—change takes time
- ✓ Consider supplements if needed
Don't
- ✗ Force or pressure eating
- ✗ Use food as punishment or reward
- ✗ Compare to other children
- ✗ Make mealtimes a battleground
- ✗ Expect overnight changes
- ✗ Ignore nutritional concerns
When to Seek Professional Help
Consult a feeding specialist or your child's healthcare provider if:
- •Your child eats fewer than 20 different foods
- •Weight loss or poor growth is occurring
- •Nutritional deficiencies are present or suspected
- •Gagging or vomiting occurs frequently
- •Extreme anxiety around food or eating
- •Entire food groups are eliminated
- •Family functioning is significantly impacted
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are autistic children picky eaters?
It's often sensory-based. Common reasons include:
- Overwhelming textures or smells
- Desire for sameness (routine)
- Anxiety about new foods
- Oral motor challenges
Should I force my autistic child to eat?
No. Pressure increases anxiety and makes picky eating worse. Instead:
- Use gradual exposure
- Keep mealtimes positive
- Celebrate small wins (touching, smelling)
Can ABA therapy help?
Yes. ABA uses proven methods like:
- Systematic desensitization
- Positive reinforcement
- Parent training
This helps expand food choices safely and effectively.
Start Your Child's Journey Today
Buzz ABA provides comprehensive, evidence-based ABA therapy in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and surrounding NH communities. Our neurodiversity-affirming approach helps children thrive.
Start Your JourneyRelated Resources
Sensory Issues Guide
Understanding sensory processing in autism.
Autism and Anxiety
Managing anxiety that may affect eating.
Routine & Transitions
Building structured mealtime routines.
Daily Living Skills
ABA support for everyday activities including eating.
Supporting Siblings
Helping siblings understand different eating needs.
Parent Resources
Free guides and downloadable tools.