Resources to share with school or nursery
Overview
Autistic children may experience a range of challenges related to eating and drinking, including sensory sensitivities, motor challenges, dietary restrictions, and a preference for routine. These challenges can sometimes limit their ability to eat a varied and balanced diet. Understanding and addressing these unique needs is important for supporting their overall health and well-being. In this section, we provide insights into what food exploration and play might look like for autistic children. This includes hearing from parents, practical strategies for encouraging sensory exploration, adapting to motor challenges, and creating a supportive environment that respects dietary preferences and routines. These approaches are designed to help parents and educators work together to make mealtimes more enjoyable and nutritious for autistic children. Introducing new foods to children can be a gradual process, and it's important for school staff to understand that patience is key. Research suggests that a child might need exposure to a new food up to 15 times before they're willing to try it. Often, trying a new food means having a small taste rather than consuming it as part of a meal. Progressing from tasting to happily eating the food and incorporating it into their diet can take even longer. It’s important to start at the child’s current level of comfort. Where possible, offer foods that the child can safely explore in their mouth or eat. Work at the child's pace and recognise their comfort levels with new experiences. Every child is different, and pushing them too quickly might create negative associations with food. Instead, focus on celebrating even the smallest milestones. These could include: - Accepting a new food beside their usual dish - Smelling or touching a new food with a utensil or fingertip - Taking a small bite before removing it from their mouth These small victories are important steps forward. Remember, the goal is to make mealtime a positive experience, promoting healthy habits with food that will last a lifetime.
Understanding sensory sensitivities
If you're new to understanding food and sensory differences in autistic children, Autism Central is a great place to start. They offer useful information about eating and sensory challenges, which can help you better support your pupil in exploring food. You can find their resources on this topic here.
Many autistic children experience strong sensory reactions, which can make certain textures, colours or smells of food feel overwhelming. It’s important for schools and nurseries to recognise these challenges and create calm, supportive spaces that reduce sensory overload. Children may feel more open to trying new foods when they are in new places or routines. This means nursery and school can play a key role in helping them feel safe and confident with a wider range of foods. Having a predictable routine at mealtimes can also help. This might include eating at the same time and place each day, having a familiar adult nearby, and following the same steps before eating. For some children, having meals that look and feel the same each time can make things much easier.
Seating options
Some children may feel more comfortable in a quieter space or with more personal space around them. Offering flexible seating options can help accommodate individual needs. You may find this resource helpful.
Visual menus and schedules
Using visual aids to communicate the day’s menu and the sequence of mealtime activities. Visuals can help reduce anxiety by providing clear expectations. Support may include sending menus home and allowing children to choose meals in advance if needed. It is helpful to identify anything that helps at mealtimes at home. Some children will only eat with a distractor like an iPad, so it is important that this is recognised and replicated if necessary.
Additional training
Some schools and nurseries have received training from the Autism Education Trust (AET). The AET is a charity supported by the National Autistic Society. They work in partnership with autistic young people, parents and carers, teachers, and other experts to create their training and resources.
You may find it helpful to share information about the AET with your child’s school or nursery. They may be able to access training that supports a range of activities, some of which you might find useful for helping your child with eating and drinking.
