How to introduce new foods for children with autism

Indeed, not all foods can be given to children with autism. Incorrectly giving food can actually worsen the condition of a child with autism. Not to mention that children with autism are usually more picky about food. For example, children do not like foods with certain colors, textures, or smells. This is certainly not easy when parents want to introduce new foods to children with autism.

In fact, the habit of being picky about food can limit the nutritional intake of children which in turn can hinder children's growth and development. Apart from that, it can also cause weight problems and health problems. Therefore, it is important for parents to keep trying to introduce new foods to children, so that children's food choices become more diverse.

How to introduce new foods to children with autism

Introducing new foods to children with autism is quite difficult to do. Not necessarily that these foods are safe for children with autism. Some foods can cause intolerance or allergy symptoms in children with autism.

For that, the first thing you have to do is make sure these foods are safe for children by consulting a doctor. The doctor will check whether there are medical reasons that prevent the child from eating certain foods.

Once approved by your doctor, you can take the following approaches to introduce new foods to your child:

First, start introducing new food textures and colors to children
Make sure your child sees, touches, and smells the food several times before starting to want to taste it.
Introduce one new type of food at a time, not just a lot at once.
Offer food at room temperature (not too hot or cold).
Don't force your child if she doesn't want to taste new food yet.
It takes several times for children to taste new foods until they like the food.

If the child doesn't want to taste the food yet, you can insert the new food into the child's favorite food, such as in bread sandwich or an omelette. This encourages children to taste the new food first. If the child's tongue is familiar with the taste of a new food, it will be easier for the child to be able to taste it again and again until he likes it and doesn't refuse anymore.

Provide vitamin and mineral supplements for children

It is understandable if you are worried that your child's intake of vitamins and minerals is lacking due to limited food choices for children. You may have tried many ways to offer new foods to children, but children still refuse.

Vitamin and mineral supplements may be needed to reduce your anxiety. In addition to helping meet the child's vitamin and mineral needs, vitamin and mineral supplements may also increase a child's appetite. This is because low intake of certain nutrients, such as zinc, can reduce a child's appetite.

It is important to remember, before giving vitamin and mineral supplements to children, you should first consult this to your doctor. The doctor will determine what kind of supplement is needed and at what dosage.