My 2 year old became a very picky eater as well. Fries, strawberries and blueberries are about the main foods he will eat. We are going to be doing feeding therapy here soon. I was so worried about his picky eating but his doctor said not to worry .

Thank you! That article is also full of helpful tips.

Autistic children are five times more likely to experience severe picky eating, often driven by sensory issues (taste, texture, smell), anxiety, or rigid routines. These feeding challenges, sometimes classified as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), often involve eating only specific brands or colors. Strategies include gradual exposure, offering new foods alongside favorites, using visual aids, and ruling out underlying gastrointestinal (GI) issues.

Common Causes and Characteristics
Sensory Sensitivities: Extreme reactions to food textures (e.g., only crunchy or only soft), smells, or temperatures, which may cause anxiety or discomfort.
Insistence on Sameness: A need for rigid routines, such as eating from a specific plate, brand-specific items, or refusing to let foods touch.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues: Up to 50% of children with autism may have GI issues like constipation or abdominal pain, which can cause them to fear or avoid eating.
Oral Motor Difficulties: Some children struggle with chewing or moving food in their mouth, leading to a preference for liquids or purees.

Strategies for Managing Picky Eating
Rule Out Medical Issues: Consult a pediatrician or pediatric gastroenterologist to ensure there are no underlying physical causes for food avoidance.
Gradual Exposure (Food Chaining): Introduce new foods slowly by changing one characteristic at a time (e.g., brand, shape, texture) and pairing them with safe, preferred foods.
Reduce Mealtime Anxiety: Avoid forcing foods, which can increase stress. Instead, make mealtimes low-pressure and engaging.
Use Visual Aids: Utilize picture schedules or social stories to explain the importance of trying new foods and reduce fear of the unknown.
Seek Therapeutic Support: Occupational therapists (OT) or speech-language pathologists (SLP) can provide feeding therapy to address sensory or oral motor issues.

https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/aut...