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Information disseminated by Autism South Africa is for information purposes only.
The onus rests with the reader to explore and investigate the relevant information and alternatives for each individual.
Information sent out does not imply that Autism South Africa underwrites or endorses any particular therapy, intervention, method or medication. Autism South Africa assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information provided herein.
FUSSY EATERS' AND AUTISM
Many children go through a fussy eating stage, and most of us have at least a few foods that we still don't like as adults. However, a child on the autism spectrum can have many contributing factors that can lead to an extreme food selectivity where nutrition and health issues arise. Extreme food selectivity is well beyond the scope of what parents would call fussy eating - it implies the eating of very small quantities of food and/or only eating from a very limited range of foods.
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF EXTREME FOOD SELECTIVITY IN AUTISM AND ASPERGER'S
Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder often have sensory problems. The brain's filtering mechanism can work differently in assimilating the senses such as touch, smell, hearing, taste and sight. They may be extremely sensitive to certain bland tastes, or possibly oblivious to strong tastes such as chili.
A child can find the very feel of a fabric against their skin very unpleasant, in the same way that the texture of a particular food could be almost painful. Conversely, foods with say a crunchy texture may be loved, while any other texture is rejected. This kind of sensitivity can also extend to temperature, where food may only be acceptable at a precise temperature.
How to Improve Eating Habits in Autistic Children
By Elizabeth Carpenter, eHow Contributor
There have always been attempts to connect abnormal behavior directly to a person's diet. Such behavior includes hyperactivity, autism, sleep disorders and mood swing disturbances in children and adults alike. Here we will focus on the benefits of improving the eating habits in children with autism. Many studies out show that there may be a correlation of a child's diet that triggers certain behaviors of those associated with autism. For example, food additives and sugars seem to have an underlining effect on children who suffer with autism. Thus, knowing what these additives are and limiting them seem to improve the behavior of a child who has autism.
