Diet and autism make an uneasy partnership. The majority of those on the autism spectrum have a shaky relationship where food is concerned. Often it is the strong taste or smell that causes issues. The texture is a real problem for many. Younger kids may get into fixated stages where you can only get them to eat two or three items regularly. Many times these are processed foods or carbohydrates. Visit any group made especially for those on the autism spectrum to gather and you are bound to hear a joke about chicken nuggets. This is often in reference to the limited food choice thing and is said only in half-jest. For parents, these food issues often cause mealtime to be fraught with stress. With enough time and the proper techniques, diet and autism don’t have to be a problem area. To learn more about our exceptional treatment program, contact Camp Worth today by calling 855.915.2545.
Some Common Mealtime Issues
Some of the most common issues surrounding autism involve the fact that many people on the spectrum have difficulty with fine motor skills. This makes it difficult to hold and drink from a cup or use a fork. After a time, the person may prefer only finger foods because they are less frustrating. The texture is another major issue. Think about the child that says they don’t like carrots. You can’t get them to eat cooked carrots but one day you find them munching on one picked straight from your garden. This indicates a texture problem. These are easy to deal with. It doesn’t hurt to give them raw carrots instead of cooked ones. This isn’t as easy with other things though. Trying new things can also be problematic. A person with autism is likely to resist any change and new food falls into that category. Anything with a strong taste or smell might also cause their over-sensitive nature to balk. All of these things can be worked around with time and patience.
Our Treatment Program
Our staff members work together so that everyone is on the same page in regards to our resident’s treatment. Once we know what issues are present for your child, we can design a diet and autism program that will help ease them into being more tolerant of differences and more willing to try new things. We utilize things like schedules to help them learn to anticipate mealtime and transition easier. Our occupational therapy will help with motor skills if that is an issue. It is our goal to help make the relationship between diet and autism one that encourages a pleasant association with food, not a constant battle.
Contact Our Treatment Program at Camp Worth
The adolescent years are difficult for everyone. When your child also deals with autism, these years can seem like constant battles. Whether the issues are education, emotional regulation, life skills or diet and autism, we have the knowledgeable staff to deal with. At Camp Worth, we will work with not only your adolescent but also you to help your family navigate these crucial years more smoothly. We know that every child can learn and grow into independence. As a result, we offer a wide range of helpful treatment programs to give your child the skills they need to overcome their autism symptoms. A few of our treatment programs include:
- Applied behavioral analysis program
- Management medication
- Education program
- Autism parent training program
- Food and nutrition program
Contact us at 855.915.2545 to discuss what issues you are dealing with and see how we can help. Life shouldn’t be a war zone.
