autism & feeding

control

Let them come to you (leaning into you puts them in a physically better position, you know they’re ready to eat, it gives them control)

what plays a big role?

communication- non-speaking, unable to refuse, unable to communicate opinions

What autistic characteristics (from DSM-5) can you see that plays into feeding aversion?

Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by history:

2. Insistence on sameness

4. Hyperreactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of environment (e.g., apparent indifferent to pain/temperature, adverse response to specific textures

physically supported strategies

• Supported seating

• Sensory input (e.g., yelling in the environment)

• Able to “escape” safely

• Video modeling (catch them doing great things)

“lets cook together” strategy

• Cut

• Mash

• Roll

• Weigh

• Clean up

I eat “a lot” during feeding sessions

There is an order in which kids accept food. They watch from afar, then they can move closer and get familiar with it. model the eating

Portion control

a full plate of food is overwhelming

We explore

I don’t use the word “try, taste, etc too much pressure, stress, anxiety

Dietician vs Nutritionist

dietician: more formal education

nutritionist: can get certified online