Picky eating in autism is more than just a childhood phase. Research shows that atypical eating behaviors—such as extreme food selectivity and hypersensitivity to textures—are common in autistic children. One study found that 70% of children with autism display atypical eating patterns, compared to just 4.8% of typically developing children (Mayes et al., 2019).
Selective eating is up to 15 times more common in children with autism.
Many parents wonder whether their child will naturally expand their diet over time. While research suggests that some autistic children maintain selective eating habits into adolescence and adulthood (Bandini et al., 2018; Suarez et al., 2018), it’s important to know that small, gradual changes can make a big difference in promoting healthier eating habits.
Selective eating can lead to health concerns like poor nutrition, weight gain, and gastrointestinal (GI) issues (Bandini et al., 2018; Wallace et al., 2018; Byrska et al., 2023). But with the right support, even the pickiest eaters can develop a more varied and balanced diet. The key is working at your child’s pace, finding creative ways to introduce new foods, and celebrating small victories along the way.
“The impact of food selectivity extends far beyond childhood,” says Andy Shih, chief science officer at Autism Speaks. “We hear from families who are concerned not just about their child’s nutrition today but about what these restrictive eating habits could mean for their long-term health and independence. That’s why it’s so important to provide parents with the right tools and strategies to help their child develop a more balanced and sustainable diet.”
Encouraging a balanced diet isn’t about forcing new foods—it’s about creating positive, low-pressure opportunities for children to explore different flavors and textures. By starting small and working with a child’s natural preferences, parents can help their child build lifelong healthy habits.
The Importance of a Strong Care Team
Expanding a child’s diet and improving nutrition can feel overwhelming, but families don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. A team-based approach can provide essential support in developing strategies to promote healthier eating while respecting a child’s unique sensory needs.
A registered dietitian, applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapist, child psychologist, or occupational therapist can offer guidance on:
- Creating structured meal plans
- Developing strategies to reinforce positive eating behaviors
- Addressing food-related sensory sensitivities
But even if families don’t have access to these specialists, they can still take practical steps at home to promote better eating habits.
Balance Sensory Needs and Nutrition
Sensory sensitivities often play a role in food selectivity in autistic children, leading them to reject foods based on texture or appearance. Most children with autism gravitate toward bland, neutral-colored foods like pasta, pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches, or highly processed, calorie-dense options like chicken nuggets (Mayes et al., 2019).
While accommodating sensory preferences is important, it’s also essential to encourage children to diversify their palates. Expanding food choices in a way that respects a child’s comfort level can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients while building greater flexibility with new foods.
One effective approach is to introduce new foods that resemble a child’s preferred foods but with small modifications. For example, a child who enjoys crunchy snacks may be open to thinly sliced raw vegetables with a dip, while a child who prefers smooth foods might be willing to try blended soups or smoothies. Even small adjustments, like adding a slice of tomato to a grilled cheese sandwich, can increase food flexibility without overwhelming the child.
Introduce New Foods Slowly
Giving choices and involving children in food
preparation can get them excited to try new things.
Simply putting new foods on a plate is rarely the best strategy—how foods are introduced plays a crucial role in whether a child will be willing to try them. A common mistake parents make is presenting a full portion of an unfamiliar food, which can feel overwhelming for a child with autism. Instead, presenting just one bite at a time and celebrating small successes can help children build confidence in trying new flavors and textures.
A good starting point is incorporating foods the child already tolerates, even if they don’t request them often. For instance, if a child is open to eating yogurt, parents can include it more regularly in their diet. From there, expanding within the same food category, such as trying a different brand or flavor of yogurt, can build momentum to trying entirely new items.
It’s important to let the child continue at their own pace. If they successfully try a new food, let them choose the next one to explore. If they find the food item challenging, reduce the portion or switch to something closer to their comfort zone. When a child successfully eats a new food, offer positive acknowledgment—not by asking them to take another bite, but by celebrating the win or even providing a small reward.
Create Predictable Mealtime Routines
Many autistic children thrive on structure and routine, and mealtimes are no exception. Unstructured eating patterns like grazing throughout the day can make it harder to monitor a child’s diet. Establishing clear expectations around meals and snacks can help create a more predictable eating environment.
Families can use visual schedules to show when meals will occur, set timers to define meal duration, or use visuals to show appropriate serving sizes. Over time, these strategies can reduce anxiety around mealtimes and help children feel more comfortable exploring new foods.
Shared family meals can also serve as an opportunity for children to observe healthy eating habits. When a child sees family members eating a variety of foods, they may become more curious and willing to try new things themselves.
However, practicing with new foods does not necessarily have to happen during meals. Scheduling a short, focused practice session once or twice a day lets children end on a successful note without feeling pressured. Once a child eats a bite or two of a new food consistently during these sessions, parents can add it to regular mealtimes.
Building Lifelong Healthy Habits
Selective eating in autism is very common, and every child’s journey is different. Some children will expand their diet quickly, while others may take longer. What matters most is creating a positive, low-pressure environment that helps children develop at their own pace. Even if progress feels slow at times, every new food tried is a step in the right direction.
For families seeking additional guidance and support, Autism Speaks offers expert advice and tools to help navigate feeding challenges and promote overall health in autistic children. With patience and consistency, parents can help their children build a foundation for better nutrition that lasts well beyond childhood.
Marta Chmielowicz leads science communications at Autism Speaks, working to advance the mission of the organization to create an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. For more information, email marta.chmielowicz@autismspeaks.org or visit autismspeaks.org.
References
Bandini, L. G., Curtin, C., Phillips, S., Anderson, S. E., Maslin, M., & Must, A. (2017). Changes in Food Selectivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Volume 47(2), 439–446. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2963-6
Byrska, A., Błażejczyk, I., Faruga, A., Potaczek, M., Wilczyński, K. M., & Janas-Kozik, M. (2023). Patterns of Food Selectivity among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Clinical Medicine, Volume 12(17), 5469. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12175469
Mayes, S. D. and Zickgraf, H. (2019) Atypical eating behaviors in children and adolescents with autism, ADHD, other disorders, and typical development. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Volume 64, 76-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2019.04.002.
Suarez, M. A., Nelson, N. W., & Curtis, A. B. (2014). Longitudinal follow-up of factors associated with food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 18(8), 924-932. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361313499457.
Wallace, G. L., Llewellyn, C., Fildes, A., & Ronald, A. (2018). Autism spectrum disorder and food neophobia: clinical and subclinical links. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 108(4), 701-707. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqy163.
