What To Do About Toddler Who Will Only Drink Pediasure And Not Eat? | MyAutismTeam

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What To Do About Toddler Who Will Only Drink Pediasure And Not Eat?
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question šŸ’­

Hi! My daughter is almost 4 (diagnosed with Lvl3 autism at age 2. She,at the moment, will only drink chocolate pediasure and whole milk (with
chocolate šŸ˜’ ) her father and I have tried everything to get her to eat food, but she will not. (Mind you- she did used to eat but very slowly stopped and preferred liquid only, so I really donā€™t think it could be a jaw issue or anything like that?)Weā€™ll make her a plate and itā€™ll go untouched each and every time, sometimes sheā€™ll play with the food/throwā€¦ read more

posted September 15, 2023
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A MyAutismTeam Member

No don't take away the pediasure . Don't do the "wait until they get hungry " trust they will go without eating. Starving them is not the answer. I'm sorry I'm in the same boat as you . I'm reading and it's like the same thing as my son and he is 8 years old and drinking pediasure and few safe snacks. Trust me I understand that feeling of wanting to get them to eat more but don't force it.. I'm still trying to get answers on why he stopped eating. This is not picky eating or spoiled . It's more serious. But keep giving her pediasure I know it's not what we want but it's keeping them a live not starving. I'm sorry if I didn't give you the right response to ur question

posted September 30, 2023
A MyAutismTeam Member

My son will only eat a few different foods. His school offers him one type of food at school until he tries it. It could be weeks before he will try it. I would start with something you know she likes and offer it every day until she tries it then start a different food. But still give her the other that she ate if she liked it. My sons school started with chips and then soft foods like applesauce and peanut butter. Then worked up to grilles cheese sandwiches.

posted September 23, 2023
A MyAutismTeam Member

My 4 1/2 year old son is in the same boat. He became a picky eater after his autism manifested itself around age 2 and he slowly started eliminating foods. Heā€™s now primarily on a liquid diet consisting of chocolate almond milk enhanced with Carnation Essentials and once a day we add powdered toddler formula. Heā€™s starting to eat more very recently I think because weā€™ve started him on Risperdal which increases appetite and lessens anxiety. Thatā€™s whatā€™s behind the sudden food aversions - anxiety over the texture or sight/appearance of various foods. Like your daughter, he is of a normal weight and height and appears healthy so we are not worrying about it too much. We also hope to start him with an OT/feeding specialist for sensory issues.

posted September 15, 2023
A MyAutismTeam Member

My Son's teacher has a son like that, plus he prefers Oreo cookies.
If your child is getting all of the nutrients they need to grow, and are healthy, then why fret?
It could be an oral texture thing.
See if he'll try pudding or jello.

posted September 15, 2023

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