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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Kissimmee, FL

Any ideas for a very picky eater? I know that's pretty vague but have the hardest time getting him to try new foods other than pasta, cheese, p b and j, cereal and chicken nuggets. To make matters worse, he can get very constipated at times and even a probiotic doesn't seem to help.

January 21, 2015
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a parent struggling with a picky eater who experiences constipation, with many sharing that dairy can be a major... Read more

Members rallied around a parent struggling with a picky eater who experiences constipation, with many sharing that dairy can be a major culprit and suggesting limiting cheese while introducing alternatives like soy or lactaid milk. Several members offered creative strategies including sneaking nutrition into familiar foods (benefiber and flax in baking, pureed veggies in sauces, veggie pasta), involving kids in meal prep and grocery shopping, using food play to reduce anxiety, and considering Miralax or supplements like Pediasure when weight or nutrition becomes a concern. A recurring theme was patience and persistence, with many parents celebrating slow wins, choosing their battles carefully, and finding comfort in knowing their child is healthy even when the diet feels limited.

A MyAutismTeam Member

Likely that your child is sensitive to dairy. Would try to limit it. I know, that is his mainstay, but it is very constipating. I found that the best way to increase my son's interest in other foods was to have him participate in cooking. We still cook a lot. I also found, as crazy as it sounds, that he was willing to try a lot more varieties of food once I had him help in cooking, and subsequently saw his food choices explode once we got him off of dairy and wheat. You might want to read the book Healing Your Child With Food. Lots of good ideas and case studies of different kids.

January 22, 2015
A MyAutismTeam Member

So many other pieces of good advice, thought I would throw one more on the table. Barilla makes veggie pasta. Tastes just like spaghetti! We told the kids we found colored pasta, and that we thought it would be fun. They tried it and liked it! My son's line up of food is so similar to your child's it is stunning! So, with that in mind, here are some other things Connor likes: scrambled eggs and toast, peach oatmeal (gotta be Quaker oats instant), Stouffer's Chicken Alfredo, popcorn, Mac n cheese, and get this one...fish fillets (so bizarre!). That is about it. Hope that helps!

February 3, 2015
A MyAutismTeam Member

have you tried soy milk or lactaid milk from the dairy aisle ?

February 1, 2015
A MyAutismTeam Member

This is a very good question, as my son also is a very picky eater. I can't say it's necessarily texture, but just new foods in general that he avoids. Have to puree fruits and veggies and hide them in other foods to get him to eat them. He has come a long way though, but would love for him to eat more nutritious foods on his own. I'd love some advice too.

January 26, 2015
A MyAutismTeam Member

I bake with benefiber and ground flax seed. My sons NEVER notice. I also put benefiber and flax seed in things like spaghetti sauce. You can also put it in smoothies.

January 23, 2015

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A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭