Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group
Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.
My son is 5 years old and on the higher end of the Autism Spectrum. We have a really hard time getting him to eat. He will not eat meat, fish or poultry. He's basically on a Vegan diet. He's allergic to dairy, and refuses to eat other things. He eats only dry cereal, ramen noodles, white rice with bacon bits, apples and bananas, french fries, and a variety of dry snacks like graham crackers. I've heard this is realted to the sensory issuses ASD children have, but the textures of these foods are so different. At 5 years old my son weighs 30 lbs, I've become so fustrated taht I cant get him to eat new things. We've seen dieticans and doctors and none can do anything to fix this problem. Is anyone dealing with this issue? Any adivce?
deleted_user
HI RACHELWYATT Ronald has never liked anything that looks like milk except vanilla ice cream, yogart, and smoothies. He will go to the frig and take a block of cheese and hide while he tries to eat the whole thing. He now eats meat but little else accept raw veggies that go in the soup I make. Milk causes him bowel problems as well as the ice cream, but he will eat the ice cream anyway. I worry about the lack of milk in his diet because of possible teeth and bone problems in the future. His big his rough and hurting himself is going to happen reguardless to how protective I am of him becaquse he has no concept of safety what so ever. I the lack of the things he dislikes in his diet are needed for a lot of things including healing. Do you think there is some other supplement that he could take? x4ron
deleted_user
You could try minadex (seven seas healthcare), it's basically a tonic that claims "to build children up fast", I'm not sure exactly what is meant by that but it certainly seems to increase Oliver's appetite leaving him open to trying new things. It's orange flavoured so easily disguised in juice, definitely worth a try. Also, just looked at the complan website and they are now doing other supplementary products so worth having a look, the address is www.complanfoods.com, I'm not sure if they are all suitable for children so best to investigate before buying. My friend's little boy is 6 and he also has autism, she has taken him to see a nutritionalist and now get supplementary drinks on prescription, next time I see her I will get the name of them although I'm not sure if they are milkshakes. Hope that helps x
deleted_user
I so understand the sensory issues-picky eating etc...we have been GFCF ETC for almost 3 years, and even though we did allergy/sensitivity testing and have eliminated the offending foods: white potatoes, yeast, soy, some nuts-peanuts, cashews, almonds, fruits-peaches, watermelon, veggies-green beans, peas, plus: yeast, red food colorings, ETC... Because we eliminated so many foods, now to retry and see if thee is still a sensitivity/allergy issue is big no-no, he refuses to try these and self limits based on previous pain after eating...he eats only pureed baby food squash and meats: buffalo hamburgers, rib eye steak, and chicken nuggets with the diet appropriate breading...if I give him rice cakes or rice crackers-he has GI issues, so this must be a sensitivity for him now...it makes it so hard to be sure he gets enough food for energy etc-no weight gain in 1 1/2 years- some height but no weight gain...the supplements give him his nutrients, but it is very frustrating....I hope to find a sensory integration therapist who can help us...and wonder if we should do more testing-if maybe I try to have him tested via scope-to look at his GI tract and see if there are physical reaasons for refusing to eat-reflux etc....
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