Feeding and Nutrition

🍽 A lot of children with Autism struggle with eating issues in multiple ways. Some eat too much, some only snack, some have aversions to certain textures or colors or shapes, some are very specific and drawn to only food that does not contain much nutritional value, some never stop eating, and some put inedible objects in their mouth.

It is a struggle for every parent when you see them eating only the same foods, trying to eat inedible objects, refusing to eat period. We want them to be healthy and get the nutrients we think they need. We turn to vitamins and supplements and begin this process of trying everything out there.

🍴Feeding Therapy: The biggest thing you can do for your child who struggles with eating issues is to get them into Feeding Therapy. These therapies are typically ran by an occupation or speech therapist.

Everyone uses their own methods and different techniques. You've got to figure out what is best for your child. Some will place your child in a highchair and try to get them to interact with food. Some are more relaxed and don't push the child to participate. Feeding therapy can be play based. There are others that are more intensive. You can look into them to see what might best suit your child's needs.

Every child is different and may respond differently to the various methods and techniques. We will provide links for your convenience below!

🔹️Intensive Feeding Therapy: https://napacenter.org/our-programs/intensive-feeding-program/

🔹️Intensive Feeding Track: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/pediatric-feeding-and-swallowing-program/intensive-feeding-track

🔹️Play based feeding tips: https://www.feedingplus.com/blog/food-play-ideas-for-picky-eaters#:~:text=Food%20play%20offers%20an%20opportunity,them%20when%20they%20are%20ready.

🔹️75+ Feeding Therapy Tips & Strategies: https://www.arktherapeutic.com/blog/75-feeding-therapy-tips-strategies/

🔹️5 Reasons why playing with food can lead to trying new foods: https://www.arktherapeutic.com/blog/5-reasons-why-playing-with-food-can-lead-to-trying-new-foods/

🥦Nutrition/Vitamins: When you're concerned about your child's nutrition levels you should have your child seen by pediatrician. You can request to be referred to a nutritionist or a dietitian. They can do blood test to check your child's nutritional & vitamin levels. They are the appropriate professionals to determine if additional vitamins and supplements are needed.

We have to be very careful adding things like vitamins, supplements, flax seed, essential oils, and all the various diets. Any of these things can be harmful and potentially deadly if you do not know and understand your child's levels and have close medical supervision.

🔹️Benefits of Blood Testing for Nutritional Deficiencies: https://www.myonemedicalsource.com/2020/06/18/nutritional-testing/

🥛Pediasure: Even though this seems to be a popular go-to when our kiddos struggle to eat, it may not be necessary. There's a lot of other things in pediasure besides vitamins. If your pediatrician recommends pediasure, WIC and/or your insurance may be able to cover or help cover the cost.