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NCHPAD - Building Healthy Inclusive Communities

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Healthy Nutrition for Children on the Autism Spectrum


By Carleton Rivers, RD, LD

Eating and feeding issues are common concerns for parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). If not treated appropriately, these problems can escalate into more severe issues. For example, most parents find that their children go through phases of picky eating which can usually be resolved with a little time and effort. However, children on the

Extreme Food Selectivity

  • Only eat sweet, sour, bitter or salty foods
  • Only eat food with a specific condiment (ex. Ketchup)
  • Only eat food with a specific temperature (ex. Room temperature)
  • Only eat food with a specific texture (ex. Crunchy or smooth)
  • Only eat food with a specific comforting smell
  • Only eat food of a specific color
  • Only eat food on a specific plate or container
  • Only eat food that has “perfect” uniformity
autism spectrum can have extreme food selectivity which may require help from a specialist to ensure that the child is consuming an adequate amount of nutrients each day.

Other ASD-related nutrition concerns that can negatively impact a child’s health include difficulty swallowing, side-effects from medications, food sensitivities/allergies leading to gastrointestinal symptoms and disordered eating. It is pertinent that these issues be discussed with the child’s doctor to ensure appropriate treatment. Parents who attempt to implement their own treatment (ex. Gluten-free, casein-free diet) without professional guidance are putting their child’s health at risk.

Listed below are resources for eating issues related to ASD. This information should be used for reference only and does not take the place of medical advice.


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