Rapid eating is a common problem observed in individuals with developmental disabilities (McGimsey, 1977). This behavior can lead to serious health problems, such as vomiting and aspiration (Kedesky & Budd, 1998), and may be socially stigmatizing.
Eating problems are common in autistic people.
Issues such as only eating very few foods, not being able to eat at school, going long periods of time without eating and pica (eating non-foods) can feel difficult to understand and manage.
Children on the autism spectrum are more likely to have a restricted diet, refusing more foods and eating a more limited food repertoire than their typically developing peers [4–6].
Some autistic children might graze all day, and some might eat too much at meals. If your child has overeating habits, it's good to work out why. This can help you manage your child's eating behaviour. Some children eat more because their medicine increases their appetite.
Sensory issues with food: Kids on the autism spectrum often express a strong preference for foods that feel a certain way in their mouths. Some prefer soft or creamy foods like yogurt, soup or ice cream; others need the stimulation that crunchy foods like Cheetos or — if a parent is lucky, carrots — provide.
Food can be one of life's great comforts. As you point out, eating to self-soothe or for sensory stimulation may be particularly common among those with autism. One contributor may be the stress and anxiety that often accompanies autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Many kids with autism also have postural issues that interfere with eating. Low muscle tone, for example, can make it difficult to maintain an upright seated position. Autism-related sensory aversions are another common reason for eating problems.
Abstract. Backgrounds: Autistic adults tend to prefer eating alone, which may result in further social isolation. This study aims to understand contexts of challenges autistic adults face when eating with other people outside home. Methods: We explored autistic subjectivities actively situated in eating environments.
Many autistic people struggle with interoception. This means that they have a difficult time feeling and interpreting their body's signals. This connects with disordered eating behavior because it means they may miss their body's cues that they are hungry or full.
Kids who have autism can get absolutely stuck on very few food choices and absolutely refuse to make even the slightest change. If you're struggling with an autistic child's need to eat the same things, in the same order, day in and day out, start by checking to see if there is a real nutritional problem.
Signs of High-Functioning Autism in Children
May appear more mature for their age and have above-average intelligence. A tendency to avoid eye contact. Trouble deviating from a routine or adapting to changes. Trouble making friends and maintaining social relationships or not “fitting in” with peers.
Autistic people can often have trouble sleeping. There are a range of reasons for this including difficulties with relaxing or winding down and irregular melatonin levels. Problems with sleep can be an issue for both autistic adults and children.
Sensory issues: Children with autism often have strong preferences for certain textures and temperatures. Some kids prefer soft, creamy foods like purees or even baby food. Others need the extra stimulation of crunchy foods. In every case, sensory preferences can limit what kids are willing to eat.
While cognitive empathy can be lower in people with autism, affective empathy—which is based on instincts and involuntary responses to the emotions of others—can be strong and overwhelming. In fact, newer research suggests that some people with autism may actually feel other people's emotions more intensely.
Many adults on the spectrum struggle with food and cooking because of sensory stimuli, extreme sensitivity to change, and a strong preference for a narrow selection of ingredients. Research shows that individuals with autism tend to favor processed foods and carbohydrates.
Research shows that children with autism face a higher risk of obesity, which increases their risk of various chronic health conditions.
Many autistic people have intense and highly-focused interests, often from a fairly young age. These can change over time or be lifelong. It can be art, music, gardening, animals, postcodes or numbers.
Many children with autism have weakness in the core muscles of the stomach and back. Others have poor body awareness. That is they don't quite sense where their bodies are in space. Any of these issues can produce poor posture, wriggling and discomfort while sitting at the meal table.
If you have students who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you may notice that some of them experience problems with social skills, or manners. Students with autism spectrum disorder may struggle to clue in to social cues and body language.
People with mild autism may have advanced academic abilities, but struggle with social skills, sensory challenges, or organization. Children and adults can exhibit different signs. Support needed for a person with level 1 autism might include: Building self-control. Controlling emotions.
It's not uncommon for individuals with ADHD and autism to prefer to eat the same food—multiple times a day sometimes—for extended periods.
Studies have shown that caffeine can improve cognitive function, reduce hyperactivity, and increase social interaction in individuals with autism. However, it is important to consume caffeine in moderation and to consult with a healthcare provider before consuming caffeine.
Provide alternative activities: If your child is fixated on a particular topic, try to find other activities that relate to that topic. For example, if they love trains, take them to a train museum or build a model train set together. This can help broaden their interests and reduce the intensity of their obsession.