Neurodivergent Space

By: Jill, Parent of Autistic Son

Raising a child with autism has taught me that mealtimes can be a complex mix of challenges and triumphs.

Through my son Tyler’s distinctive approach to food, I have discovered the importance of patience, creative problem-solving, and finding joy in everyday moments, often in the smallest, yet most significant, victories.

Understanding Sensory Processing and Food Preferences

Tyler’s autism significantly impacts his eating habits, particularly due to sensory processing differences.

It is not simply about being picky but about how his brain interprets various textures, smells, and visual aspects of food. What might be comfort food for some children can be a sensory nightmare for Tyler.

His preferences are distinct, he loves crunchy textures found in chips, crackers, and raw onions, but recoils at the sight of creamy foods like ice cream or mashed potatoes.

Strategies for Success

 Here are a few of my strategies that make mealtimes more manageable:

Incorporating crunch – I always include at least one crunchy element in Tyler’s meals, even if it is just a few crackers. This provides a familiar and comforting texture he can rely on.

Sensory-friendly tableware like a divided plate keeps the peace and the crunch. I will not be able to keep the crunchy foods dry without these plates.

Entertaining drinking straws make mealtimes an engaging activity and help with oral stimulation. I always carry a few in my handbag.

Creative cuisine – I have become quite inventive in the kitchen, often crafting recipes that cater to Tyler’s sensory needs.

Not all experiments are successful (fried cucumbers were a definite miss), but the process has expanded my culinary horizons.

A definite winner is Tyler’s favorite crunchy, healthy cookie recipe

Crunchy Oat and Seed Cookies:
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients, shape into small cookies, and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.

Embracing food play – If Tyler wants to create a finger puppet show with his spaghetti before eating it, I am all for it, if he’s engaging with his food positively.

For trying new foods, we play the “Food Detective” game. Tyler gets a magnifying glass and we “investigate” new foods together, admiring colors, shapes, and smells before tasting. This has significantly reduced anxiety around mealtimes.

It may sound time-consuming, but I have learned to adjust our mealtimes based on the food.

For familiar food, we aim for 20-30 minutes.

For new foods, we might extend it to 45 minutes, allowing more time for exploration and comfort-building.

A visual timer helps keep us on track and teaches Tyler the importance of time management and transitions.

He is incentivized with extra playtime when he finishes before the timer, and I have noticed it re-directs his focus from pickiness to timeliness.

Eating at restaurants – I have had so much success at home that it makes sense to take these strategies to restaurants with us.

I always carry along crunchy side dishes like carrot sticks, rice crackers, or chips as these familiar textures help Tyler feel more comfortable in restaurant settings.

And I swap out regular straws for my fun drinking straws. The visual timer keeps Tyler motivated to stay focused on finishing his meal.

I love that our restaurant outings are now enjoyable for everyone, giving Tyler a chance to learn social cues and the importance of table etiquette.

 Nutritional supplements – Nutritional supplements are essential for Tyler, especially since he’s still working on developing healthier eating habits. To bridge the nutritional gaps in his diet, I provide him with high-quality vitamins.

Brainchild Nutritionals, a brand specializing in formulations for children on the autism spectrum, has been incredibly beneficial.

Sensory Success 

Wonderful things can happen when you follow your child’s unique sensory preferences.

Like buying an electric ice shaver because he loves crunchy ice.

The ice shaver became a fun way to connect with Tyler and his friends, turning a potential obstacle into a positive experience. It is now a new family tradition.

It is a great example of how adapting to our children’s needs can lead to memorable moments for everyone.

These days I’m proudly known as the “coolest” mom in the neighborhood (pun intended).

Celebrating Progress 

My journey with Tyler’s eating habits has been challenging, but I have learned to celebrate every win, like when Tyler finally tried soggy pumpkin soup and porridge.

These may seem like minor victories to some, but for me, they represent significant steps in Tyler’s development and our family’s resilience. 

Each new food he tries opens up a world of nutritional opportunities and shared family meals. These moments remind me that progress isn’t always linear, but every step forward is worth acknowledging and celebrating

A Message to Fellow Parents

To other parents navigating similar challenges please know you are not alone.

It is normal to feel frustrated or worried at times.

Remember to find joy in the little things, like the creative ways our children interact with their food or the pride we feel when they overcome a food aversion. 

Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.

My journey with Tyler’s eating habits is ongoing, but with patience, creativity, and a whole lot of love, I am making progress one crunchy bite at a time.

Keep trying, stay positive, and always celebrate the small victories along the way.