Has he had any nutritional deficiency concerns? If not, then don't worry about his single-minded eating habits. In time, something will come along that will expand his horizons. Almost ALL kids go through a picky-eater stage, it is just that parents of people on Spectrum tend to be more consciously worries about it due to the age it occurs, and that it lasts a bit longer than "normal."

I didn't eat foods together, and was very picky about what I was eating, when I was a kid. I still compartmentalize to an extent.

One day as a pre-teen, I realized my PB&J sandwich was peanut butter, jelly, and bread MIXED TOGETHER. I hiccupped a bit from the realization (up until then I'd seen it as one thing rather than a mix), and then started to apply the concept to other things like food touching on my plate. Other Spectrum people I've spoken with as adults have had the same experience.

We all agree that trying to force the issue makes the acceptance of other tastes, textures, colors, etc. even more delayed.

Do try the "no thank you" single bite method, maybe only on days that start with "T" or something, to give him experiences of different foods... and if he likes creamy, strawberry soy flavor, then work with an occupational therapist to expose him to something very different rather than near flavors/textures, that won't cause him undue distress/gagging/pain. The deal? One bite of tolerable strangeness, allowable time to shake it off without penalty for social appropriateness of response, and then a wonderful, nagging-free meal of the only real food in town. :)

When he gets old enough to really self-talk himself through mildly overwhelming situations, give him a chance to see how his favorite food(s) are made of a variety of components (videos are available now for most foods), and let him explore those components separately. You can even have some fun making the favorite foods together.

The best approach that worked well with our daughter was to get her involved in food preparation at home along with choosing foods at the grocery store. She also learned how to read labels, develop fine motor coordination skills by cutting, slicing foods. Today she lives independently and likes to eat a variety of foods and tracks her calories and nutrient intake by a food analysis program on her computer. She was also able to lose 30 pounds when she was the one "in charge". As a dietitian, I recommend this approach to make sure that your child is receiving important vital nutrients. Have blood tests done if your child is "too picky" since lack of vit D, calcium can lead to weakening of the bones while they are growing.

Much success with tube feeds. I fought for years, but his seizures were always dominate. Told team he could eat but not gain weight and was extremely limited to food choices. Finally diagnosed with FTT 2yrs ago and he is finally out of the 5 percentile n weight. GI doc picked up on it right away and now his face is full he even looks fuller throughout his body. Thanks GI team @A MyAutismTeam Member's in Milwaukee for listening and following through. It is important the Autism is strictly considered because of behaviors and food limitations.
Good Luck to you, Let us know how it turns out!

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A MyAutis...

what is feeding therapy? my son has a very limited menu as is and it is getting smaller

My son will only eat( slightly open mouth while I spoon feed) while he watches a video. He is 2 years old. We have been in feeding therapy for over a year and still NO INTEREST in food. ANY ideas? Thanks