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  • Writer's pictureOsan Ability Assist

Nutrition Care For Children With Autism: Ndis Provider’s Guidance

According to an expert study & research, children suffering from autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder) are five times more likely to have food time complications such as extreme food sensitivity and ritualistic eating behaviors. Children with Autism likely to consume a lower intake of calcium and protein due to these challenges.

Here, OSAN Ability Assist, one of the leading NDIS service providers in Sydney, shares probable reasons for fussy-eating habits.


The reasons may include:


  • Sensory Sensitivities

Children with Autism can be more sensitive than others to environmental stimuli, including noise, light, clothing or temperature. This can also apply to food, with preferences to eat the food of certain textures, or colours.


  • Preoccupations

Children with Autism often develop intense fields of interest in a particular area. If this applies to a specific food, you will fight with your hands if you want them to give it up!


  • Routines

Routines create stability and order for people with Autism. This can translate into only wanting to eat the same food at the same time every day. Children with autism often find trying new food difficult.


Diet Strategies:


  • It’s an old trick – but disguising vegetables and baking them into something your child loves can work. For example, a savoury muffin or a pizza.

  • Be patient. Allow your child time to get used to new food throughout a few meals. Give them a chance to lick or sniff the food and assimilate it. Children with Autism often need extra time to get well acquainted with something new food.

  • Reward also tends to work a lot better than punishment. Praise your child when they eat new food or keep a reward tracking chart.

  • Keep a routine with meal times. Routines play an important role in the lives of people with autism. Eating at the same time and the same place every day can make them feel more comfortable, and thus more inclined to try new food.

  • Finally, a behavioral therapist or registered NDIS provider can help you understand and manage your child’s eating behavior better. OSAN Ability Assist has been providing tailored disability support services and cares for families in their homes in Sydney & other suburbs.


Call us at 1300 799 941 today if you are eligible and about how one of our professional disability support workers at OSAN Ability Assist can help.


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