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Video bank: Tips for reducing sugary snacking for autistic children

Reducing grazing and snacks

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0:00 Intro

0:45 Understanding grazing and snacking 

  • Grazing and frequent snacking can be a result of boredom or lack of structured meal times.

  • For autistic children, these habits might be more pronounced due to sensory preferences and routines.

02:02 Strategies to reduce grazing and snacking

  • Implementing a structured eating schedule can help reduce the tendency to graze.

  • Encouraging children, including autistic children, to participate in meal planning and preparation can make them more invested in regular meal times.

  • Limiting the availability of snacks and offering healthier alternatives can also be beneficial.

03:07 Managing boredom and involving children

  • Boredom is often a significant factor in why children graze and snack frequently.

  • Providing engaging activities and involving children, especially autistic children, in joint decision-making about meals can help reduce boredom-related snacking.

  • Establishing clear routines and schedules for meals and snacks can create a more predictable and healthy eating environment.

Be kind to yourself: Remember that it’s okay to have challenging days. Celebrate small victories and progress. Being patient and compassionate with yourself is just as important as being kind to your child.

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