My son likes cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, apples, clementine oranges raw. Neither one of my children wanted canned fruits or vegetables. They are also fans of cheese and crackers.

Understanding Sensory Profiles

• Sensory Seekers: Crave strong crunch, heavy chewing, or intense input to help calm the nervous system.
• Sensory Avoiders: Prefer smooth, predictable, and mild-smelling foods.
• Balanced Snack Formula: Combine a carbohydrate with a protein and healthy fat to prevent energy and sugar crashes.

Healthy Snack Ideas

For Crunchy/Sensory-Seeking Textures

• Roasted chickpeas tossed lightly with olive oil and sea salt
• Apple or pear slices paired with almond butter, sunflower seed butter (Sunbutter), or peanut butter
• Veggie sticks (carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers) with hummus, guacamole, or mild ranch
• Kale chips or baked sweet potato chips
• Rice cakes topped with mashed avocado or cream cheese

For Smooth, Soft, or Avoider-Friendly Textures

• Fruit and vegetable smoothies (blending spinach, cauliflower, or white beans into fruit and yogurt without altering taste)
• Chia seed or Greek yogurt pudding with a smooth consistency
• Hard-boiled eggs or string cheese
• No-bake energy bites made from rolled oats, nut butter, and honey

Healthy Meal Ideas

Breakfast

• Protein pancakes or whole-grain waffles made with hidden flaxseed
• Oatmeal cooked in milk or a plant-based alternative, topped with mashed banana or a swirl of nut butter
• Vitamin-rich fruit and yogurt bowls

Lunch & Dinner

• Turkey or chicken roll-ups (using soft tortillas or whole-grain wraps with cheese and mild veggies)
• Homemade chicken nuggets or fish sticks using clean, whole-food ingredients and a crispy coating
• Gentle grain bowls with soft brown rice or quinoa, mild roasted chicken or tofu, and steamed carrots or sweet potatoes
• Gluten-free or whole-grain pasta with a smooth, light olive oil, butter, or blended vegetable-infused red sauce

Key Nutrients to Target

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and fatty fish (like salmon) to support brain health and reduce hyperactivity.
• Protein & Healthy Fats: Found in eggs, poultry, beans, and nut/seed butters to sustain long-lasting energy.
• Fiber & Prebiotics: Found in whole grains, fruits, and legumes to support gut health.

https://www.autismdietitian.com/blog/snack-ideas

Autism Food List - Snack Ideas | Autism Dietitian

https://www.autismdietitian.com/blog/snack-ideas

My son is open to trying most meats and seafood. He also enjoys peanut butter, yogurt, chips and popcorn. To get in fruits and vegetables, he likes the squeeze pouches. He'd only drink milk if he had his way, but will drink water, especially if it's in his favorite water bottle.

My kid loves protein, so everything from beef, pork belly, chicken and sausage with sticky white rice. For all proteins I just add salt and garlic powder very simple. But for the chicken I just marinate in salt and garlic and coat with panko and fry. Fried egg too. I notice if you add too much condiments he doesn't like so for us simple is the best way. If the meat is too hard then try pressure cooker or slow cooking😊

rice cakes, crisps, fruits and sandwich like rolls with avocado