Autism and food aversions often go hand in hand. There are many reasons why someone might refuse food, especially if they have sensory sensitivities. It’s not essential for everyone to eat all foods, but in some cases, autism food aversion can lead to health issues and nutritional deficiencies. Here’s what you should know about food aversion and strategies to address it for a more balanced, wholesome diet.
What is Food Aversion?
Food aversion is a strong dislike of specific foods.
Individuals with food aversions are sometimes labeled as picky eaters, but there are several reasons why they might consistently reject certain foods.
One reason is a physical reaction, such as nausea, sensory stimulation, or an emotional response.
It’s normal for people to like some foods more than others, and not everyone enjoys every kind of food. With food aversion, however, someone may avoid entire food groups or only eat a small number of safe foods.
This can cause them to miss out on vital nutrients in their diet, leading to vitamin deficiencies, low body weight, and other serious issues, making it difficult to lead a healthy life.
Autism and Food Aversions
Food aversion is not specific to autism, but there is a unique connection between autism and food aversion. In a large study, 21% of autistic participants showed characteristics of ARFID or “avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder.”
Because autistic people are often more easily affected by sensory stimuli, they can experience the taste, smell, appearance, and texture of certain foods more intensely than others. They may eat only “safe” foods, or ones that don’t trigger don’t trigger sensory sensitivities. Many autistic adults gravitate to foods that are familiar and reliable, rejecting new or unexpected dishes.
This behavior can be the result of environmental factors, as well. Some autistic adults may find it overwhelming to eat in social settings, leading to food avoidance in the company of others. The lack of a stable routine around food can also lead to avoidant habits. It can also be a form of pathological demand avoidance, anxiety, or a general lack of interest in food.
How to Address Autism Food Aversion
Many adults with food sensitivities can still enjoy a balanced diet. However, in some cases, a person’s rejection of certain foods may prevent them from getting proper nutrition.
To address food avoidance, it’s important to first understand the root cause of the discomfort. From there, you can find ways to slowly introduce new foods in a comfortable, manageable way.
Offer Choices
Dietary options and the freedom to choose what, where, and when we eat is an important part of practicing self-determination and expressing our independence.
If someone is trying to include more protein in their diet, for example, there are a number of different options. Beans, tofu, eggs, and protein shakes are all versatile sources of protein, and they can often be prepared in sensory-friendly ways.
Think About Texture
Texture is the most common reason autistic people avoid certain foods. If sliced apples are unappealing, applesauce might be preferable. Smoothies, pasta sauces, and soups are nutritious options for those looking to eat more fruits and vegetables while avoiding a specific mouthfeel.
Create a Routine
Establishing a consistent routine for mealtimes makes it easier for autistic people to feel comfortable around food. When it comes to enjoying a meal, the environment we eat in is almost as important as the food itself. Autistic people may have a specific seat where they feel most comfortable or prefer food presented in a certain way.
Try Similar Foods
When introducing new foods into one’s diet, it’s important to start small and make gradual changes. Pick foods that are similar to safe, familiar foods. For example, if mashed potatoes are acceptable, mashed cauliflower, carrots, or squash can be a natural, comfortable progression toward a more diverse diet.
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