Healthy eating habits in autism

Need HELP to explain good eating habits, diet and Nutrition for autistic children and teens?

"Good nutrition is essential for lifelong health, and it begins in infancy".

It is not uncommon for typically developing children to develop odd eating or feeding habits. Which are easily overcome with patience and support.

However this is not always the case with children on the autism spectrum disorder scale. The likely-hood is that any eating or feeding issues are more likely to be more severe and harder to break. Autism Spectrum Disorder is far more common than most other childhood disorders, yet still there appears to be a lack of appropriate support for parents struggling to cope with their ASD childs eating issues.

Although there have been no significant statistics released on feeding and eating issues in children with autism spectrum, it does appear that this is a fairly common problem.

It is always a good idea for any parent of an autistic child to first rule out any other factor that may be contributing to their childs eating difficulties, like illness, surrounding, even sensory issues.

Over eating and the autistic child

Sometimes an autistic child may over eat as a result of lack of control or the ability to know when they are full. It has been suggested that the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that tells us when we are full and regulates food intake, does not function correctly in children with autism spectrum disorder. This has neither been proved or disproved as yet and is till just a theory.

It has also been suggested that some autistic children particularly those that demonstrate obsessive behaviors, for example over enthusiasm for a particular activity or interest, that food consumption may have turned into their obsession or area of special interest.

Another suggestion is that of sensory dysfunction, many autistic children display sensory difficulties and it has been suggested this may have an effect on the amount of food they consume. The suggestion being that an autistic child may crave a particular food as a means of sensory stimulation or comfort.

Whatever the cause the fact still remains many children with autism spectrum disorder have eating or feeding difficulties and parents need specific help to overcome them .

Strategies for controlling and managing over eating in the autistic child

Therefore, finding healthy eating strategies for their autistic child is essential.

"As a result many parents of autistic children with eating difficulties use proven techniques such as social stories".

Social stories are used as visual strategies for various skills and situations the autistic individual struggles with such as eating difficulties. Social stories for healthy eating can help the autistic individual understand the "wh" question (who, where, why, when and what) by expaling visually why we eat and why it is important to eat healthy. The social story can also be used to explain why a varied diet is essential, giving explanation visually of healthy and un-healthy eating habits. They may also provide the autistic individual with information and understanding about healthy eating and how this keeps us fit and strong.

Plus using social skills stories can help parents of autistic children show their ASD child the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle; as well as help them to try and introduce new food groups, and concepts like the "five a day rule".

Social stories are being used by parents, teachers and dietician's working with autistic children as a means of communication, helping them teach the autistic child the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and good eating habits.

Social skills stories for healthy eating habits in autism

A proven technique for teaching and improving social and communication skills social stories are probably one of the most significant tools used to help teach the ASD child social skills such as eating habits, communication, imagination and interaction skills.

This collection of four social skills stories for healthy eating habits in autism ARE now available.

The story topics are:
I can try new foods
I can take my vitamins
What are my five a day
How to eat a healthy balance diet

All we ask is for a small administration fee of just $4.95 for this complete set of four social skills stories for autistic children and dietary problems.