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!