Understanding & Managing Picky Eating
Picky eating is a typical developmental stage that most often develops in the 2nd year of life and typically fades from the age of 5 or 6. Some children are pickier for longer, including into adulthood. It is hard to predict how long this might last for.
Children with Autism are far more likely to be picky in early childhood than neurotypical children. They pickiness is often more severe and can last longer. This is often because of a combination of psychological and sensory difficulties and preferences. Not all children with Autism are picky. Also, not all picky eaters are on the Autistic spectrum!
With or without Autism, it is possible to influence the food preferences of a child to some degree. However, it is not a simple or predictable process. You might decide the diet is less than idea but good enough. Sometimes though, you might conclude that the amount, variety, or frequency of their eating is such a concern that you feel you have to do something about it.
We hope this page will help you make that decision, and also give you some guidance on how to go about it.
A 20 minute video guide to help you understand and influence picky eating
If you think your child is just a bit picky and are looking for ideas
A brief factsheet on Selective eating for children with Autism
website exploring severely selective eating
For more guidance on picky eating
A video guide to vitamin, mineral and omega 3 supplements for picky eaters
For a book to help to understand picky, selective and avoidant eating
If you’ve already tried to make sense of the information above, and you’d like some advice from our Specialist Dietitian, click on Dave