Understanding Autism and Picky Eating: 5 Proven Strategies

Henry Au
Mar 6
3 min read

Updated: Apr 7

The Connection Between Autism and Picky Eating

Picky eating in autistic children isn’t just about choice. It often ties to sensory sensitivities, texture issues, oral motor challenges, and even anxiety surrounding new foods. If your child struggles with chewing and swallowing meat, it could be related to several factors:

Sensory aversion: The texture of meat can feel overwhelming.
Oral motor difficulties: Some children may have weak jaw muscles or find meat hard to chew.
Routine-based eating: Your child might prefer familiar foods and avoids the unfamiliar.

Have you noticed any other factors contributing to your child’s picky eating? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

5 Proven Strategies to Help an Autism Picky Eater

1. Modify the Texture

If chewing and swallowing meat is a challenge, try offering it in a different form. Here are some suggestions:

Ground beef instead of strips: Mix it into pasta sauce or make soft meatballs.
Shredded beef or chicken: Softer and easier to chew than steak or strips.
Slow-cooked meats: These tend to be tender and require less effort to chew.
Blended protein sources: Consider mixing meat into mashed potatoes or blending it into soups.

2. Pair with Preferred Foods

Pairing new foods with familiar favorites can ease the transition. Try these ideas:

Mix finely ground meat into pasta sauce for a seamless addition.
Offer a meat-based pasta like lasagna with blended textures.
Use fun shapes or skewers to make the meal visually engaging and appealing.

3. Use Small, Manageable Portions

Start with tiny portions—even just a single bite. You can employ these techniques:

A “one-bite” rule: No pressure—just gentle exposure.
Fun presentations: Cut meat into tiny cubes or add dipping sauces to make it more enticing.
Food chaining: If your child enjoys chicken nuggets, transition to homemade nuggets, then lightly breaded meat, and so forth.

4. Provide Positive Reinforcement

Praising efforts, not just outcomes, helps build confidence! Try:

Saying, “Wow, you tried a new food today—awesome job!”
Rewarding small progress with non-food incentives like stickers, extra storytime, or favorite activities.

5. Make Mealtime Low-Pressure

Forcing or pressuring a child to eat often backfires. Instead, aim to:

Keep meals relaxed: Offering family-style servings lets your child decide what to eat.
Avoid punishments or bribes: Focus on gentle encouragement.
Offer new foods consistently: Even if they don’t eat them right away, keep introducing them.

When to Seek Additional Help

If your child has severe texture aversions, frequently gags, or avoids entire food groups, it may be beneficial to consult:

A speech therapist for oral motor difficulties.
An occupational therapist for sensory challenges.
A dietitian for balanced nutrition support.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but with patience and creativity, you can help expand your child’s diet. It's important to approach this in a way that feels safe and comfortable for them.

Final Thoughts: Small Steps Lead to Big Wins

Change takes time. Every small step is a victory on this journey. If you have dealt with picky eating in your household, let’s share ideas. Drop a comment below with what’s worked for you!

If you found this blog helpful, don’t forget to share it with other parents who might benefit. Together, we can make mealtimes easier for our kids.

For more support, consider reaching out for Behavior Consultation.