Approximately two-thirds of children on the autistic spectrum have severe food aversions, which can impact their growth and development. These children are not your typical “picky eaters.” They are referred to as resistant eaters or problem eaters.
The main difference between a “picky eater” and a “resistant eater” is severity. Resistant eaters may only eat one or two different foods and may gag or vomit at the sight or smell of other foods.
Many parents report being told, “He will eat when he is hungry enough.” Unfortunately, this is not always the case for resistant eaters. While typically developing children who are picky eaters will not starve themselves or make themselves ill, problem or resistant eaters might. So by following this advice a parent may be unknowingly placing their child in danger.
It is also important to note that children who are not on the autistic spectrum could also be resistant eaters. So if you suspect your child could be a resistant eater it is important to seek professional guidance. Some, but not all, speech language pathologists and occupational therapists specialize in helping picky or resistant eaters.
– Isa Marrs
