Autism and Picky Eating: A Closer Look

Key Points:

• Children on the autism spectrum are significantly more likely to experience selective eating habits due to sensory sensitivities, rigidity, and anxiety.
• Picky eating in autistic children can be addressed through structured strategies tailored to individual needs.
• ABA therapy can support families by introducing behavior-based interventions that help reduce mealtime stress and expand food variety.

Picky eating isn’t always about stubbornness, especially when autism is involved. A child with autism might gag at certain textures or cry when their routine changes. It’s hard to watch, and harder to navigate. But once you understand what’s really driving it, you can start building a more peaceful mealtime routine.

Autism and Picky Eating: What’s the Connection?

Children with autism are more likely to experience picky eating due to sensory sensitivities, preference for routines, anxiety around change, and communication challenges. These factors interact and reinforce each other, making mealtimes particularly complex.

Sensory sensitivities are among the most cited reasons for food refusal in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Certain textures, smells, colors, and temperatures can trigger discomfort or even distress. This isn’t just dislike—it’s a neurological response.

Beyond sensory issues, many autistic children have a strong preference for predictability. Eating the same foods every day provides a sense of control and comfort. Introducing new foods can feel threatening or overwhelming, especially without preparation and support.

4 Causes Behind Food Aversion in Children With Autism

Food aversion in autistic individuals is typically multifactorial. It's rarely a matter of being "difficult" or "spoiled." Here's a breakdown of the main contributing factors:

Sensory Processing Differences

Children on the spectrum often process sensory information differently.

• Texture aversion (e.g., mushy, crunchy, slimy)
• Smell sensitivity (some foods may smell too strong or off-putting)
• Color or appearance issues (unfamiliar colors or mixed foods can be upsetting)
• Temperature aversion (only eating cold or room-temperature foods)

Behavioral Rigidity and Food Routines

Routine is a source of comfort.

• Insistence on eating the same brand, shape, or preparation
• Resistance to food presented differently (e.g., cut in a new shape)
• Specific plate or utensil preferences tied to routine

Gastrointestinal Issues

Studies have shown higher rates of GI problems in autistic children.

• Chronic constipation or reflux can create food 
• Pain associations may lead to the refusal of certain foods
• Limited diets may exacerbate these issues, creating a 

Communication Barriers

Some autistic children may struggle to express discomfort clearly.

• May not articulate if something hurts or tastes "off"
• Might act out or avoid meals instead of explaining why

Understanding these root causes allows caregivers and professionals to craft more effective strategies tailored to individual needs.

What Foods Do Autistic Children Commonly Prefer?

While each child is unique, research and parental observations suggest patterns in food preferences among children on the spectrum. These typically include:

These preferences are not inherently harmful but can lead to nutritional gaps. Recognizing them helps tailor a more targeted approach to food expansion.

Helping Autistic Children Overcome Picky Eating Habits

Parents often wonder how to help their child expand their food preferences without increasing anxiety. There’s no single answer, but several evidence-based techniques have shown promise.

First and foremost, create a low-pressure, structured eating environment. This helps reduce anxiety and gives children space to explore food at their own pace.

Here are several strategies that can help:

1. Gradual Food Exposure

Introduce new foods slowly, without pressure to eat.

• Start with exposure: allow the child to look at, touch, or smell a new food
• Use visual supports like food charts or social stories
• Celebrate small victories—like a lick or a nibble

2. Use Food Chaining Techniques

Link new foods to familiar favorites.

• Slightly change the color, brand, or preparation of a preferred food
• Slowly transition to something different over time
• Helps children expand their variety without overwhelming them

3. Incorporate Play and Exploration

Food play can reduce anxiety and increase familiarity.

• Let the child help with meal prep or grocery shopping
• Encourage touching or playing with food in a non-meal setting
• Involve multisensory games (e.g., "guess the food" blindfolded)

4. Consistent Mealtime Routine

Predictability supports comfort and cooperation.

• Eat at consistent times each day
• Use the same mealtime setup (location, plate, utensils)
• Avoid distractions like screens during meals

5. Avoid Power Struggles

Pressuring or bribing rarely works and can backfire.

• Stay calm and neutral during refusals
• Don't force bites or punish noncompliance
• Let the child have some control (e.g., choosing between two options)

When Should Parents Be Concerned?

Some degree of picky eating is typical for many children, but there are signs that indicate professional help may be needed:

• Extremely limited food repertoire (fewer than 10 accepted foods)
• Food refusal that leads to weight loss or poor growth
• Strong distress during mealtimes
• Nutritional deficiencies (low iron, poor energy levels, constipation)

When these signs appear, a multidisciplinary team—pediatrician, behavior therapist, occupational therapist, or dietitian—can provide assessment and guidance.

Can ABA Therapy Help With Autism and Picky Eating?

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy is frequently used to support children with autism in developing new behaviors, including expanding their food repertoire.

ABA doesn’t simply reward eating—it uses systematic, individualized strategies to help reduce avoidance, build tolerance, and shape new food-related behaviors, as shown in our article ABA Therapy in Action With Daily Life Examples, where we explore how these methods play out in real-life situations.

Personalized ABA Therapy to Support Mealtime Success

Looking for expert help navigating autism and picky eating? Aluma Care provides individualized ABA therapy in Kansas, New Hampshire, and Virginia designed to reduce mealtime struggles and help your child build a healthier relationship with food.

Our team works alongside families to understand the “why” behind food refusal and implement behavior-based solutions that actually work. Through supportive, play-based strategies and one-on-one attention, your child can begin exploring new foods in a safe and encouraging way.

Reach out to us today to learn how ABA therapy can help transform your child’s eating habits—one small bite at a time.