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Author: Elizabeth Shea
Organisation: Birmingham Food Refusal Services
Date of publication: 21 May 2015
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Top 5 tips for autism professionals: Disordered eating
1. Do allow the child to eat their preferred and safe foods; this will maintain weight and allow
the child to meet their expected growth pattern.
2. Don’t hide or disguise new foods (including medicines) in the child’s familiar foods as this
will ‘contaminate’ the liked food leading to its refusal.
3. Do work with the child’s sensory issues by helping them get used to the look, texture,
smell and taste of new foods.
4. Don’t allow the child to go for long periods without eating or drinking as differences in
appetite regulation mean they are at risk of dehydration or weight loss.
5. Do use relaxation techniques to reduce the child’s anxiety around new foods and eating
situations.
Further reading:
Understanding and managing eating issues on the autism spectrum by Dr Elizabeth Shea
Birmingham Food Refusal Services
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