Feeding Problems, Picky Eaters..... - Autism Spectrum Message Board

fiveboyzfivejoy · 06-11-2006, 06:09 PM

I have two autistic 4 year old twin boy's who are really picky eaters. I am worried that they are not getting enough nutrition in their diet's.

They both will only eat certion things like one will eat pizza,fruit loops,cheeseburgers,fries.The other will eat peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches,cheese it's,spaggetti,lasagna,and fish crackers.
Just depending on the day.

I would like to try to introduce them to new thing's, but I was wondering if you have an ideas of what kind's of thing's to start them off with.If you have any idea's please let me know! Neither twin can drink from a cup despite the efforts of the specialists and classroom and home........and they both have rotten teeth that require surgery for 3 years in a row now!

Thanks
Can you cry to death?

Curious Nana · 06-11-2006, 10:26 PM

I can relate! Drake, my grandson, would only eat 5 things. They were pizza, toasted cheese, spaghetti, mac and cheese, and peanut butter and jelly. Once he was put on a casein free diet, he lost 3 of those. He would eat peanut butter and jelly 24/7 if allowed. He has increased by a few things, but is NOT very open to trying new things. We were hoping that once he started on zinc, that would help open him up a bit, but he seems pretty stuck in his ways. He doesn't like very cold things either either. Zinc is to help make the tastebuds more receptive, and he does take a slew of vitamins, so he has not suffered with the bad teeth as of yet. I wish you luck!

pingu06 · 06-12-2006, 06:38 AM

hi
my son is 9 and when he was little he was very particular about food liking dry,simple textures and very limited in the food groups.We saw a dietician and she said that the rules are completely diffierent for our kids because they have such a strong sensory problem with texture to get over first.We muddled along for years tried the gluten/casein free diet but he lost weight so we had to stop.Things changed about 2 years ago when i thought i've had enough of preparing 3 separate meals(he has a sister) so i got really hard on him and used his favourite foods/toys etc to motivate him to try new foods and well he now eats;pasta,curry,salad,rice,cous cous,granary bread etc etc..
He more or less eats anything.I really think in our case he could see that I had had enough.I think the secret is to do very little but often and have an immediate reward and then build on it.You also need an alternative(punishment sounded too hard) i used to send him to his room for 5 mins until he complied and believe me he is so much better.
Always have respect for their Autism though and keep calm

Brandiof4 · 06-12-2006, 11:15 AM

My 5 year old boy Cadence has a big diet problem, I sneak the foods I want him to eat in foods he likes like- Top Roman, I cook noodles in chicken broth add angel hair pasta and shred chicken very very small.- big pain! Oatmeal and other cerrials- I put in Wheat germ. Scrambled eggs, sneek in white cheese, Pizza spinkle wheat germ. Anything new I want him to try I make it very sweet or salty- then every time I make it after I use a little less of the sugar or salt- Normal children have same eating problems I have to use tricks with all my kids! I will also keep my kids on infant formula as long as possible! I breast feed my children then about 1 year old when most parents stop formula I start it. If they don't like it make it sweet at first! Drinking from cup- have you tried putting their bathing suits on and leaving two pitures of water and cups outside, don't try to teach just let them play.

Brushing teeth- hate it!! But again all my kids have brushing diffuculties, I first try nicely, I give them the chance to cooperate then when all else fails I stick them under my arm and brush! Then I end it on a game, like lets brush mama's teeth now and They enjoy my funny noises as I let them brush my teeth.

2cutekids · 06-12-2006, 06:17 PM

I have one suggestion... go Gluten and Dairy free... if you notice EVERYTHING you child eats contains both of these. If you remove them, their diets will open up and there symptoms of Autism will ease. TRUST ME, I have seen first hand the difference it makes. My son has been on the diet for 2 yrs now and it is the greatest thing I have ever done!