Resources to share with school or nursery
Overview
Autistic children may experience a range of challenges related to eating and drinking, including sensory sensitivities, motor challenges, dietary restrictions, and a preference for routine. These challenges can sometimes limit their ability to eat a varied and balanced diet. Understanding and addressing these unique needs is important for supporting their overall health and well-being.
In this section, we provide insights into what food exploration and play might look like for autistic children. This includes hearing from parents, practical strategies for encouraging sensory exploration, adapting to motor challenges, and creating a supportive environment that respects dietary preferences and routines. These approaches are designed to help parents and educators work together to make mealtimes more enjoyable and nutritious for autistic children.
Introducing new foods to children can be a gradual process, and it's important for school staff to understand that patience is key. Research suggests that a child might need exposure to a new food up to 15 times before they're willing to try it. Often, trying a new food means having a small taste rather than consuming it as part of a meal. Progressing from tasting to happily eating the food and incorporating it into their diet can take even longer.
It’s important to start at the child’s current level of comfort. Where possible, offer foods that the child can safely explore in their mouth or eat. Work at the child's pace and recognise their comfort levels with new experiences. Every child is different, and pushing them too quickly might create negative associations with food. Instead, focus on celebrating even the smallest milestones.
​
These could include:
-
Accepting a new food beside their usual dish
-
Smelling or touching a new food with a utensil or fingertip
-
Taking a small bite before removing it from their mouth
These small victories are important steps forward. Remember, the goal is to make mealtime a positive experience, promoting a healthy habits with food that will last a lifetime. ​
Understanding sensory sensitivities
​​For those unfamiliar with food and sensory differences in autistic individuals, Autism Central offers helpful information as a good starting point. You can explore their resources on eating and sensory differences here. This guidance can help you better understand your pupil's unique needs and how to support them in their food exploration journey.
Many autistic children have heightened sensory sensitivities that can make certain textures, colours, or smells of food overwhelming. It's important for schools and nurseries to recognise these sensitivities and provide a calm, supportive environment that helps minimise sensory overload.
​
Children will often explore and try new foods in new settings and situations. Nursery and school can play a really important role in supporting children to feel safe around an increasingly wider range of foods.
​
Creating a predictable routine around mealtime can help autistic children feel more secure and prepared for eating. This includes consistent timing, seating arrangements, and steps leading up to the meal. For some children it might be helpful if mealtimes look the same each time, keeping the same staff working with the child.
Seating options
​Some children may feel more comfortable in a quieter space or with more personal space around them. Offering flexible seating options can help accommodate individual needs. You may find this resource helpful.
Visual menus and schedules
​Using visual aids to communicate the day’s menu and the sequence of mealtime activities. Visuals can help reduce anxiety by providing clear expectations.
​​
Support may include:
-
Sending menus home and allowing children to choose meals in advance if needed
It is helpful to identify anything that helps at mealtimes at home. Some children will only eat with a distractor like an iPad, so it is important that this is recognised and replicated if necessary.
