Question for single moms - Autism Spectrum Message Board

Motherof3boyz · 06-27-2009, 12:03 PM

I'm going through the process of leaving an verable abusive husband. I have 3 boys. Two of them have autism. One is high functioning and one is low. They both have eatting issues.They do not eat a hole alot of different foods. I'm worried that I wont be able to support all my boys on my own. The eatting issues make thing harder because I have to cook more then one dinner. I'm just wondering there are any other single parents out there that have a child with a special need, and how they manage with there child?

Thanks,
Motherof 3 boyz

Kimmykim · 06-29-2009, 05:54 PM

Hi there.. I'm a single mom to 1 little boy who is 3.5 years old and high functioning autistic.. He is one of the pickiest eaters alive I kid you not! He eats the same foods all the time and has his favorites.. Will not touch a vegetable or fruit with a ten foot pole unless its on pizza or in yogurt! LOL

I feel your pain!

My son has recently started occupational therapy and we are working on his food issues there... Its slow moving but its moving.. All I can tell you is to always offer the food, whether they try it or not is besides the point, just keep offering it.... My son actually picked up a blueberry at preschool the other day, put it in his mouth and bit down!!! he of course took it right back out, but hey, its progress!
good luck!

Concreterose · 11-06-2009, 07:52 AM

Hi there,
I'm the single mom of 2 kids dx with autism.My 10 year old son is high functioning and my 6 year old daughter has classic autism.
My ex husband left us two years ago for another woman(and the fact he said that our life didnt turn out "right" with the kids") So after kicking him to the curb,I hired a scary blood thirsty divorce attorney.
Long story short,when you have "exceptional" children the child support goes through the roof,and since I have been a stay home mom since day one,I get alimony.It sounds harsh but doing this on our own would be impossible.

Mira11 · 11-06-2009, 09:28 PM

I am not a single mom, but wanted to make a comment. Like the prior poster said, you are entitled to a lot of support. Be sure you have an attorney who is willing and able and knowledgeable about the special needs to get you what you deserve.

Are there O.T.'s in your kids's school? They should be able to help with the food issues. That's fairly common with ASD.

mscat40 · 11-07-2009, 02:18 PM

hi there,
I am a single parent , with a child who has autistic disorder. I have raised him since day one. He is now 16 yrs old. ANd alway been extremely picky at eating. However, what he likes, he will eat a lot of it. I do think it is a good idea to at least try and offer different foods to your special needs children, and give them the same kinds of foods you wold like you do your other kids.
Sometimes , when making meals , you can try and mix in the food, and the child can't even taste the different food that is in there. My son has never even liked what you could say what every kid likes. Such as hot dogs or macoroni and cheese , he never has. i do not think it is right to make a child eat something he despises , no matter , if he or she is autistic or not.
I agree that it has always been a chalenge to provide a balance diet of of foods that my son will eat. and not always the same type of food, always. I would think after this long he would tire of it, but, no. but, keep trying. Fruits , are are a lot easier than vegetables . but I too believe it has to do with the texture . More than the taste.
My son prefers cripsy tpye of foods then soft , and mushy . That is just a sensory issue. maybe OT could help your children .