Food Selectivity "Picky Eating" 

We regularly receive inquiries about services for children who are very fussy with food. Clinically, we call it "food selectivity" - someone who has a very restrictive diet that can negatively impact nutritional adequacy and family mealtimes. Research shows that children and adults with autism seems to show a disproportionately higher incidence of picky eating. Unfortunately, there are many myths and unsubstantiated interventions circulating in the news. 

In therapy, we closely work with parents and caregivers to improve food variety through a number of techniques. Exposure and desensitization, which are evidence-based therapy techniques, will be the primary strategies used in most cases. Note that our therapy does not address nutrition or specific medical needs - if this is an issue, we can work with a dietician and/or your physician to improve nutritional intake. 

By slowly and gradually exposing the child or adult to new foods in a systematic manner, they will learn to become more comfortable with different foods. More positive experiences (exposure) should help them improve their perception of these foods (desensitization). Therapy will be tailored individually to address the specific needs of the child or adult. The above picture is an example of steps that we take in this process of exposure and desensitization (link to image credit). 

We also offer parent training to help establish more positive feeding habits to hopefully prevent picky eating from occurring. 

If you have any questions, feel free to make an appointment!