http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/ Aspergers Syndrome-Aspergers-Aspergers Disease-Aspergers Disorder-Autism Aspergers-ASD-Asperger Syndrome-Asperger-Asbergers-Asbergers Syndrome-Asberger Syndrome-Asberger-Autistic-Autistic Children-Autism Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:13:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-4023 Kathy Seymour Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:54:41 +0000 http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-4023 Our son used to be a picky eater, but now he relishes trying new foods and even mixes up his own concoctions. His problem with textures such as nuts still exists, but he eats a wide variety of food. His psychotherapist believes it is because he is feeling more secure with himself and the environment. We have been using Floortime and EEG neurofeedback for his therapy and we are seeing great results in all areas of his development. Our son used to be a picky eater, but now he relishes trying new foods and even mixes up his own concoctions. His problem with textures such as nuts still exists, but he eats a wide variety of food. His psychotherapist believes it is because he is feeling more secure with himself and the environment. We have been using Floortime and EEG neurofeedback for his therapy and we are seeing great results in all areas of his development.

]]> http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-4020 Roisin Babe Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:40:56 +0000 http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-4020 My aspie son (9) was always reluctant to try new foods i introduced a cash reward scheme! for trying new things including vegetables he still won't do broccoli or cauliflower but he now enjoys the same sunday dinner as the rest of the family including vegetables & gravy!! it took a while (& a fair few fifty pences) but we can now go to friends for dinner or out to dinner without a fuss worth every penny!!! My aspie son (9) was always reluctant to try new foods i introduced a cash reward scheme! for trying new things including vegetables he still won’t do broccoli or cauliflower but he now enjoys the same sunday dinner as the rest of the family including vegetables & gravy!! it took a while (& a fair few fifty pences) but we can now go to friends for dinner or out to dinner without a fuss worth every penny!!!

]]> http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-4008 TomsMom Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:40:32 +0000 http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-4008 I only wish my 6 yr old had as varied a diet as many here! It's been getting narrower since toddlerhood: now he is eating meatloaf (where I sneak in tomatoes and am going to try smuggling in some carrots which he used to eat), pizza, cheeseburgers(without buns), bologna or hot dogs (all beef only, and only occasionally) 12-grain toast, whole grain crackers, or whole wheat waffles (but only with butter), occasional cheerios (he used to love them, too, darn it) popcorn (unbuttered PTL), potato chips (low salt) and french fries, romaine lettuce (the ribs ONLY but LOTS of them), broccoli (the tops ONLY), apples (red delicious ONLY) plus anything chocolate (which we dole out carefully). His beverages are down to three: no-fat milk, apple juice, and water, and I haven't managed to get a vitamin into him since he gave up drinking orange juice earlier this year (I'd put the liquid vitamins from the pharmacy into it and I think he got wise.) On the other hand, he drinks no soda, chews no candy or gum, and is curiously immune to the pleasures of wider ranges of junk food except for cheetos (which I really restrict). So, with his other issues, food is one thing I try not to get crazed about, as long as the pediatrician thinks his growth and weight are OK it's OK by me. We have friends with an NT son, now 21, 6 ft+, who spent his entire eleventh year of life eating nothing and I mean nothing except chicken nuggets and Coke. It's worrisome but it's not fatal for sure. I only wish my 6 yr old had as varied a diet as many here! It’s been getting narrower since toddlerhood: now he is eating meatloaf (where I sneak in tomatoes and am going to try smuggling in some carrots which he used to eat), pizza, cheeseburgers(without buns), bologna or hot dogs (all beef only, and only occasionally) 12-grain toast, whole grain crackers, or whole wheat waffles (but only with butter), occasional cheerios (he used to love them, too, darn it) popcorn (unbuttered PTL), potato chips (low salt) and french fries, romaine lettuce (the ribs ONLY but LOTS of them), broccoli (the tops ONLY), apples (red delicious ONLY) plus anything chocolate (which we dole out carefully). His beverages are down to three: no-fat milk, apple juice, and water, and I haven’t managed to get a vitamin into him since he gave up drinking orange juice earlier this year (I’d put the liquid vitamins from the pharmacy into it and I think he got wise.) On the other hand, he drinks no soda, chews no candy or gum, and is curiously immune to the pleasures of wider ranges of junk food except for cheetos (which I really restrict). So, with his other issues, food is one thing I try not to get crazed about, as long as the pediatrician thinks his growth and weight are OK it’s OK by me. We have friends with an NT son, now 21, 6 ft+, who spent his entire eleventh year of life eating nothing and I mean nothing except chicken nuggets and Coke. It’s worrisome but it’s not fatal for sure.

]]> http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-3965 Stephanie Tibbetts Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:45:09 +0000 http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-3965 Hi, I too struggle with my kids, andhave found that hiding foods a la Jessica Seinfields book to be a great way of sneaking them in.all 3 of my kids are on the spectrum, 2 with aspergers, one with autism.and my youngest daughter,(aspergers) won't even take a flintstone vitamin!my oldest, 14, wll now try some stuff, but growing up, he was terrible, ad lived on chocolate milk for probably 2 years, however, they have always been willing to eat nuggetts from McDonalds,(nuggetts and fries only, no burgers) if anyone finds away to sneak healthy into them I would love to know! I a glad to have come across Jessica Seinfields book, adencourage others to try,it isbetter than fighting with yur kids all the time.I try to pick my battles! Hi, I too struggle with my kids, andhave found that hiding foods a la Jessica Seinfields book to be a great way of sneaking them in.all 3 of my kids are on the spectrum, 2 with aspergers, one with autism.and my youngest daughter,(aspergers) won’t even take a flintstone vitamin!my oldest, 14, wll now try some stuff, but growing up, he was terrible, ad lived on chocolate milk for probably 2 years, however, they have always been willing to eat nuggetts from McDonalds,(nuggetts and fries only, no burgers) if anyone finds away to sneak healthy into them I would love to know! I a glad to have come across Jessica Seinfields book, adencourage others to try,it isbetter than fighting with yur kids all the time.I try to pick my battles!

]]> http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-3964 Terri Metzger Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:57:08 +0000 http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-3964 Please! Don't dispair over the eating habits. As long as he/she is getting their nutrients, maybe in a completly different way than we think is "normal"- we must remember that their brains aren't wired like ours. But, then again, whose is? A book on nutrition will be an awesome aide to make sure that he/she is getting the nutrients they need, although it may not be as much as "required". As long as he/she has adequate exercise and good bloodwork results, in time, they will learn to try and like new foods. I about fell over dead yesterday when my six year old son tried bacon AND lettuce (both which he has detested in the past)!! In the same day!! Praise the LORD!! Metabolism may play a large part in these children who look like they don't have an ounce of fat on them (like my son). The higher the metabolism, the more energy they burn. I hope this has helped even one of you out there, for I know that you have helped me. Please! Don’t dispair over the eating habits. As long as he/she is getting their nutrients, maybe in a completly different way than we think is “normal”- we must remember that their brains aren’t wired like ours. But, then again, whose is? A book on nutrition will be an awesome aide to make sure that he/she is getting the nutrients they need, although it may not be as much as “required”. As long as he/she has adequate exercise and good bloodwork results, in time, they will learn to try and like new foods. I about fell over dead yesterday when my six year old son tried bacon AND lettuce (both which he has detested in the past)!! In the same day!!
Praise the LORD!! Metabolism may play a large part in these children who look like they don’t have an ounce of fat on them (like my son). The higher the metabolism, the more energy they burn.
I hope this has helped even one of you out there, for I know that you have helped me.

]]> http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-3961 Tracy Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:48:12 +0000 http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-3961 Our son is 4 years old and recently diagnosed with AS. What appeared to be a food phobia, was actually the trigger for his diagnosis and there has been a sense of relief that there is now a reason for his behaviour even though we don't really have any answers as to what we do about it! He eats toast (no grains) with butter, Readybrek cereal with sliced banana and honey for breakfast. A small pureed dinner of root veg for lunch (but will often vomit the whole dinner if he discovers a small particle of food) along with toast and butter, followed by fromage frais (certain brand). For his evening meal he will have the same as breakfast. The only other food which he will happily eat is a dry bread roll. He only drinks water or warmed milk. We suppliment his diet with a multivitamin and iron medicine. That has been his daily intake every day for the past two and a half years. We have tried to introduce new foods at numerous intervals but to no avail and often resulting in distrust and refusal to eat even his own foods for many days. We have stopped doing this. Even though we have been reassured by his current dietitian that he is having adequate nutrition we are concerned that this is it, as there has been little or no progress. He often gags or vomits when others are eating and we have told him to 'close his eyes' if he doesn't like what he sees, which has helped a little although if there is a strong smell this will not work. He will also often literally 'run' from the source of his anxiety with no concern for his personal safety which is a massive worry for us in sending him to school etc as when he is with us we can often pre-empt such situations. We have had some dreadful advice about 'starving' him until he eats properly!! and that was from a senior dietitian in the health service! He also has severe allergies for which we carry Epipens so it is difficult to ensure his safety and instil confidence in him while trying new foods. Not sure what we do next, if anything?? Was interested to read the comment made by 'Lisa' (no 48) about sensory integration. Would like to know more re that? Also am very interested to know how Kirsten's son (comment 41)coped with school, having such a limited diet when he was younger.? Our son is 4 years old and recently diagnosed with AS. What appeared to be a food phobia, was actually the trigger for his diagnosis and there has been a sense of relief that there is now a reason for his behaviour even though we don’t really have any answers as to what we do about it! He eats toast (no grains) with butter, Readybrek cereal with sliced banana and honey for breakfast. A small pureed dinner of root veg for lunch (but will often vomit the whole dinner if he discovers a small particle of food) along with toast and butter, followed by fromage frais (certain brand). For his evening meal he will have the same as breakfast. The only other food which he will happily eat is a dry bread roll. He only drinks water or warmed milk. We suppliment his diet with a multivitamin and iron medicine. That has been his daily intake every day for the past two and a half years. We have tried to introduce new foods at numerous intervals but to no avail and often resulting in distrust and refusal to eat even his own foods for many days. We have stopped doing this. Even though we have been reassured by his current dietitian that he is having adequate nutrition we are concerned that this is it, as there has been little or no progress. He often gags or vomits when others are eating and we have told him to ‘close his eyes’ if he doesn’t like what he sees, which has helped a little although if there is a strong smell this will not work. He will also often literally ‘run’ from the source of his anxiety with no concern for his personal safety which is a massive worry for us in sending him to school etc as when he is with us we can often pre-empt such situations. We have had some dreadful advice about ’starving’ him until he eats properly!! and that was from a senior dietitian in the health service! He also has severe allergies for which we carry Epipens so it is difficult to ensure his safety and instil confidence in him while trying new foods. Not sure what we do next, if anything?? Was interested to read the comment made by ‘Lisa’ (no 48) about sensory integration. Would like to know more re that? Also am very interested to know how Kirsten’s son (comment 41)coped with school, having such a limited diet when he was younger.?

]]> http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-3924 Laura Williams Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:42:59 +0000 http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-3924 My grandson has ASP, he is 9 yrs old. I find his moods to be very disturbing to me. I wish I could help him more. We have him on the Gluten free/Casein free diet and his is very good about following it. He will question anything different which I find to be amazing for him. My question is - is there any kind of medication that he can take to help him control his anger spells or social skills. As a grandmother, I love him dearly and I find it dishearting that I cannot help him. My grandson has ASP, he is 9 yrs old. I find his moods to be very disturbing to me. I wish I could help him more. We have him on the Gluten free/Casein free diet and his is very good about following it. He will question anything different which I find to be amazing for him. My question is - is there any kind of medication that he can take to help him control his anger spells or social skills. As a grandmother, I love him dearly and I find it dishearting that I cannot help him.

]]> http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-3917 Tiffany Jensen Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:30:26 +0000 http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-3917 My son is 6 years old and has ASD. He has always been a fussy eater when it comes to fuit and vegetables. The way we have managed to get him to eat more of them is by telling him that other children his age eat these same foods. He has always liked potatoes and most dairy products but he now eats carrots, broccoli, beans, bananas and sometimes apples. Each year we introduce a couple of new foods and tell him that other kids his age eat them. This usually at least gets him to try something new. If he genuinly doesn't like it, we dont force it, but with most things he finds he does like them. It has taken a lot of stress off of him and us. My son is 6 years old and has ASD. He has always been a fussy eater when it comes to fuit and vegetables. The way we have managed to get him to eat more of them is by telling him that other children his age eat these same foods. He has always liked potatoes and most dairy products but he now eats carrots, broccoli, beans, bananas and sometimes apples. Each year we introduce a couple of new foods and tell him that other kids his age eat them. This usually at least gets him to try something new. If he genuinly doesn’t like it, we dont force it, but with most things he finds he does like them. It has taken a lot of stress off of him and us.

]]> http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-3916 Janet Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:16:32 +0000 http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-3916 I have a 12 year old girl and a 9 1/2 year old boy that both have asperger's. I was always concerned with their food choices as they were growing up and it was not until they got diagnosed with asperger's that I realized it was a sensory issue. When I want them to try new foods I do not make a big deal about it. They come in the Kitchen and take a small bite of the food with the trash can beside them. If it is horrible to them they spit it out right away and I say thanks for trying it. After many tries my son now eats Asparagus and my daughter loves peas. I Hope their diet will continue to improve over the years with this method. Good luck to you all. I have a 12 year old girl and a 9 1/2 year old boy that both have asperger’s. I was always concerned with their food choices as they were growing up and it was not until they got diagnosed with asperger’s that I realized it was a sensory issue. When I want them to try new foods I do not make a big deal about it. They come in the Kitchen and take a small bite of the food with the trash can beside them. If it is horrible to them they spit it out right away and I say thanks for trying it. After many tries my son now eats Asparagus and my daughter loves peas. I Hope their diet will continue to improve over the years with this method. Good luck to you all.

]]> http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-3915 Ryan Cooper Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:46:24 +0000 http://parentingaspergers.com/blog/the-eating-habits-of-a-child-with-aspergers/#comment-3915 my son is almost 15yrs.old and DOESNT trust you as far as he can throw you.He is Aspergers never ate a veggie other than ff,would litterly gag and throw up if even put on his plate.HASNT GOTTEN ANY BETTER like I said doesnt trust anyone will take his food apart and inspect it.you will never pull nothing over on this one He is healthy 5'8 "underactive throid"which he is on medication has no ambition to do anything likes to go out only at the beginning at of darkness but stays in fenced yard,cant stand anyting that buzzes or looks like a bee.""The Inspector"" aka:Ryan Cooper my son is almost 15yrs.old and DOESNT trust you as far as he can throw you.He is Aspergers never ate a veggie other than ff,would litterly gag and throw up if even put on his plate.HASNT GOTTEN ANY BETTER like I said doesnt trust anyone will take his food apart and inspect it.you will never pull nothing over on this one He is healthy 5′8 “underactive throid”which he is on medication has no ambition to do anything likes to go out only at the beginning at of darkness but stays in fenced yard,cant stand anyting that buzzes or looks like a bee.”"The Inspector”" aka:Ryan Cooper

]]>