Feeding Challenges in Children with Autism: Signs, Causes, and Support Strategies

Feeding challenges and food selectivity are common in children with autism, but with the right strategies, mealtime can become more successful and less stressful.

Mealtimes, and food in general, can be tricky with kids. It can be hard to keep up with your child’s mealtime preferences, as they can change from one week to the next. You as their parents are learning their preferences in real time with them. It’s a complex human experience that autistic kids can have an even harder time trying to navigate.

Today we are going to answer the questions:

• Why are autistic children more likely to experience food selectivity?
• What are signs that your child is having a harder time with food selectivity?
• What are ways to make mealtime more successful at home?
• How do you support a child who is starting feeding therapy?
• What does feeding therapy look like at Ally Behavior Centers?

There are many reasons why autistic kids have increased feeding selectivity. The main reasons are increased sensory, routine, behavioral, and oral motor challenges that can be associated with autism or other autistic comorbidities that lead to increased mealtime challenges.

• Proprioceptive Response (mouthfeel) – Selectivity based on pressure in the mouth (overstuffing or very small bites).
• Taste Over/Under-Responsiveness – Strong reactions to slight changes or seeking intense flavors.
• Olfactory Responsiveness – Smell sensitivities influencing food choices.
• Tactile Sensory Input – Avoidance of messy or certain textures like yogurt or applesauce.

• Preference for specific brands or food presentations
• Need for consistent eating environments (same plate, chair, or table)
• Negative past experiences leading to long-term aversions

Possible chewing or swallowing delays or coordination issues related to chewing could make feeding more difficult.

It is common for kids to go through picky eating phases. Consider these questions:

• Does your child eat fewer than 20 foods?
• Are foods limited to specific brands or presentations?
• Do new foods trigger strong emotional or physical reactions?
• Does your child cycle through food “jags” and then reject those foods?
• Is there limited variety in textures, temperatures, or food types?

If the above feels applicable to your child then it may be time to ask your pediatrician about feeding therapy services.

The best way to increase mealtime engagement is by making food fun.

• Obstacle courses
• Running races
• Playing outside
• Dance party
• Bubble party

Ensure proper positioning (hips, knees, and feet at 90 degrees) to increase comfort and endurance at the table.

Include at least two safe foods and one “exploring” food to help your child feel secure and open to trying new foods.

Introduce new foods through play and engagement to build comfort and familiarity.

Be honest about your child’s eating habits, preferences, and routines. Feeding therapy is a gradual process focused on building a safe and positive relationship with food.

Feeding therapy at Ally is a gradual process focused on helping children feel safe and comfortable with food. Therapy progresses step-by-step from interacting with food to eventually tasting and eating it.

If any of this information applies to your child, please contact your pediatrician and discuss feeding therapy options.

Kayleigh Allen-Wadler OTD, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist at Ally Behavior since 2020. Kayleigh has dedicated a lot of professional development to becoming a skilled feeding therapist through multiple SOS Feeding Therapy Trainings. Kayleigh is passionate about feeding therapy due to her autistic brother being a very selective eater as a kid. Kayleigh’s brother now has an expansive diet. Kayleigh works towards helping other kids feel safe eating various foods everyday to better their mealtime experience and overall quality of life. Kayleigh loves OT and other sensory interventions. In her free time Kayleigh loves spending time with her daughter, husband, and their pets.