Feeding Therapy

Aiden is trying new foods!

Limited food selections based on texture, smell, and food sensitivities are common among people on the autism spectrum.  Aiden has struggled with this since his diagnosis in 2011.  I have pictures and comments about foods that he once ate: bananas, burgers, watermelon, and more! Today, Aiden hasn't eaten a fruit or vegetable for over a decade.  I would be so happy if Aiden would eat a burger again!  

Feeding Therapy

This is something I've wanted to do for a long time, but life got in the way.  We are finally in a place where we had the time and resources to pursue some feeding therapy.  Aiden and I went to see an Occupational Therapist (OT) who has worked with autism and food.  Usually, this is accompanied by a Dietitian's visit, but obviously, that wasn't necessary.  It was good to have an "outside" perspective on our circumstances.  Aiden was instructed to eat new foods with his favorite sauces even if they were "weird" combinations.  He didn't have to swallow it, but he had to try it.  He also was instructed to cook with me at least once a week.  It is working!  Aiden ate pasta for the first time, and enjoyed it!  While the OT and I disagreed about what is considered "food," I felt it was worth the visit.  It turns out cooking with kids really does matter!

Aiden is 12!!!

                                                                     Aiden is 12!

Time.  The years are simply flying by.  I'm going to be 40 this year, and Aiden just turned 12!  I'm so proud of the young man Aiden has become!  Aiden loves to laugh, play with animals (he is holding a squirrel here!), and hold babies.  He is the first one to offer comfort, and the first one to laugh out loud.  He is a joy and a blessing, and look how far he has come!  Some people would never know he was diagnosed with autism (and apparently, ADD). 

My concerns about services for Aiden were taken away today.  Aiden's aunt Lucy has supported Aiden academically once a week, and we just found out today that Aiden still qualifies for disability here in Utah.  Why would I apply for disability?  My husband asked the same question.  In WI, having that in place helped us pay for a tutor and after school activities that got Aiden active, learning, and engaged socially.  To qualify for disability here he was assessed by a psychologist (3 hours long!), and we had to do a lot of paperwork outlining how much Aiden struggles with academics (his only struggle besides food at this point).  My hope is that Aiden will continue to be supported financially as needed, as well as receive the services he needs to become a high functioning adult.  If he chooses to go to college, this label will help him pay for school and receive the help he needs to succeed academically. I am concerned that he will struggle to provide for a family someday.  You just can't live off $12 an hour these days!  He needs the best education he can get!  I really hope he chooses higher education.  I know he can do it with the right mindset!  (Yes, I am aware that he has 6 years left until graduation, but again, time is flying!)

Aiden is eating new foods!  He ate plain BREAD yesterday that wasn't loaded with butter and salt, and he started to eat pizza (of course it is only 1 kind of pizza from Papa Murphys, but I'll take it!).  Last month he even ate chicken and rice at Chipotle!  I'm so excited!  FINALLY some combination foods!   Next step, fruits and vegetables!

Moving forward with gratitude and hope for Aiden's future!  I hope the teen years are kind to him!