Selective eating in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often stems from sensory aversions to textures, smells, or appearances, limiting nutritional variety. Lets explore some of these challenges and provide tips for introducing diverse foods while ensuring balanced nutrition. We blend functional medicine with practical strategies, focusing on biochemistry's role in sensory eating.

Understanding Selective Eating in Autism

Children with ASD may refuse foods due to heightened sensory processing, where certain textures trigger discomfort. This "picky eating" can often be linked to atypical brain responses in the insula, this part of the brain is crucial for sensory integration.

Biochemically, gut dysbiosis—common in ASD—affects serotonin production, influencing appetite. Low zinc or vitamin B12 levels can impair taste perception, exacerbating aversions.

The Impact of Sensory Food Challenges

Selective eating risks nutritional deficiencies, impacting growth and cognition. Aver...

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face sensory processing issues, like noise sensitivity or texture aversions, that can shape their daily experiences. In this article we explore these challenges and offer practical adjustments, such as sensory-friendly environments, to help your child thrive. We integrate functional medicine, emphasizing nutrition’s role in sensory health.

Understanding Sensory Processing Issues in Autism

Sensory processing differences in ASD stem from atypical brain responses, particularly in the sensory cortex, causing over- or under-reactivity to stimuli like loud sounds or rough fabrics. This can lead to distress or withdrawal.

Biochemically, magnesium deficiencies can heighten nerve excitability, while low omega-3s impair brain plasticity, affecting sensory regulation. Gut imbalances, common in ASD, may disrupt serotonin, influencing sensory comfort.

The Impact of Sensory Challenges

Noise sensitivity might cause meltdowns in crowded places, w...

If your child only eats certain foods and often refuses to try new types of food, you may be wondering if your child is a picky eater or has a feeding problem. Here are a few ways to know the difference. Typically, the majority of children who are picky eaters and do not have a more serious feeding problem demonstrate a normal growth pattern [1]. Normal growth and development as well as the absence of physical symptoms (e.g. trouble swallowing) are factors that healthcare professionals often look for when determining whether a child is a demonstrating picky eating or problem feeding [1].

Common signs of picky eating include [2-4]:

• Eating a limited amount and type of foods
• Refusing certain foods, especially fruits and vegetables
• An unwillingness to try new foods
• A strong preference for specific foods
• Preferring to drink milk or juice instead of eating
• Snacking instead of eating proper meals
• Preferring fatty foods and sweets

Feeding problems, on the other hand, may be due...