Feeding and Eating Disorders: What Parents Need to Know
Mealtimes can be tough for any family, but for autistic children, they can feel like a daily battle. Feeding and eating difficulties are common, and understanding what’s going on – and how to help – can make a big difference.
Eating disorders are not rare, but they are easily misunderstood. One of the most common issues is selective eating: your child might only eat certain colours, textures, or types of food – you may be very familiar with plain pasta for dinner or Nutella on toast every morning for breakfast. But this is more than picky eating; it’s often linked to sensory sensitivities. When you have a heightened sense of smell, taste, or texture, certain foods can feel overwhelming or something you just don’t want to be near.
Many children have trouble chewing, swallowing, or tolerating foods that are mixed together. Gastrointestinal issues like constipation or reflux can make feeding more challenging, as the child can experience severe pain as a consequence.
How to Support Your Child
There are lots that parents can do, and early intervention is key. Start by mapping out your child’s challenges and speaking to your GP. Other professionals who can help include:
- Occupational therapists
- Speech and language therapists
- Dietitians
- Behavioural specialists
Together, you can create a plan tailored to your child’s needs. Strategies might include:
- Gradual exposure to new foods – introducing them in small, low-pressure steps
- Sensory-friendly mealtimes – adjusting lighting, sounds, or textures at the table
- Supplements – helping to bridge nutritional gaps while building confidence
Your Role as a Parent
Parents play a crucial role in creating a relaxed, supportive mealtime environment. Stress at the table can reinforce food refusal, so try to keep things calm and positive. Helpful tips include:
Routine: Have clear start and end times for meals.
Celebrate small wins: Even tiny steps forward are worth noticing.
Encourage self-feeding: Model how to eat rather than insisting your child copy you straight away.
Break it down: Show each step, like putting food on the plate or using utensils, so the process feels more manageable.
School can be another challenging environment for children with feeding or eating difficulties. Speak to your child’s teacher about reasonable adjustments that can help reduce stress and ensure they feel supported.
With patience, understanding, and the right support, autistic children can gradually expand their diets, get the nutrition they need, and enjoy calmer mealtimes. Progress is possible – one mouthful at a time.
If you’d like to hear more practical advice and expert insight, our Autism Unpacked podcast has two special episodes on feeding and eating disorders, featuring Natale Raven Morris, CEO and Founder of The Feeding Trust.
Listen here: www.optionsautism.co.uk/autism-unpacked-podcast/
Learn more about The Feeding Trust: www.feedingtrust.org