It is common for autistic teens to have limited foods they will eat. Sensory issues involving texture and smell can especially impact preferences. For example, how smooth is the food vs. chunky, how it feels on the tongue and going down, size and shape. People have strong preferences and thrive on routine which can also influence eating.

A limited diet can result in not meeting daily nutritional needs, so consulting with your pediatrician, a gastroenterologist, and related therapists before making significant dietary changes. Depending on symptoms and issues, there are gastroenterological conditions that may be helpful to rule out. See the GI Issues section in the Co-existing Conditions page.

Food Selection and Nutrition Ideas

When thinking about foods your autistic teen will eat, watch for potential texture and other sensory aspects of what they may like or dislike. Try to gradually build a little more selection in their food choices. Be patient and understand underlying potential issues. Is there a texture that is hard for your teen to tolerate?

Encourage your teen to think about and express their food preferences and challenges. Discuss nutrition to try to problem solve together, ideally not when it’s way past time for dinner and everyone is hungry. Involve your teen in meal planning from what they want for meals to starting to teach them food preparation and cooking.

If your goal is to try to introduce a fruit or vegetable, help them think about what they like so far and if there is something similar that they could try. Try a few different times, understanding that you may need to let it go for a while and come back to it.

Involve your teen in planning for school lunches whether they bring or buy. If appropriate, aim for them to gradually become independent in making lunch and snack choices and in preparing their own lunch if they are bringing. Many schools post their school lunch menus so your teen can see ahead which choices they do or do not like.

Nutrition and Health Issues

If your teen’s diet is too restrictive because of these issues, discuss with your pediatrician, a gastroenterologist, nutritionist or therapist to help both with strategies and in meanwhile ensuring nutrition for their health.

It is important to meet your teen’s calorie and nutrition needs so that their growth and development are not impacted. Regular visits to the pediatrician are important to check that their growth is on track. There are also healthcare providers like the Cleveland Clinic that have feeding clinics to focus on these issues.

If you are concerned your teen may have an eating disorder, the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) provides information including warning signs and symptoms.

Finding What Works for Your Family

Based on your budget and your work, school and lifestyle realities, it may look different for you.

If you need help with access to nutritious food, your local food bank, The National Hunger Hotline or other nonprofits are a free resource. Public schools often provide reduced or free lunches or breakfasts. The Milestones free autism Helpdesk can connect you with resources. United Way 211 serves as a central help and resource center. The national website to find your local 211 service is https://www.211.org. In Ohio it is https://www.211oh.org.

Different families have different schedules that may not mean set meal times. Work out what is realistic for your family and how you can plan for what your teen with autism can eat as a snack in between and at whenever the meal time is.

Food Preparation

Your teen can start with simple tasks, like setting the table, mashing potatoes or getting things out of the refrigerator for food prep. Then where things go in the dishwasher or how to wash dishes by hand (starting with things that are not breakable).

Involve your teen in selecting and cooking a dish or meal. This can encourage trying new foods. Go to the grocery store together to get what you need for meals you can prepare together. Show them how to use an app like Bring to make the grocery shopping list.

Cook and prepare food with your teen so you can model it or if they’re doing it incorrectly so you can correct it. It is easier if they learn it correctly the first time or early on.

Check out the Safety at Home article in the Milestones Autism Planning (MAP) Tool for tips on ensuring safety in the kitchen.