by Siah Klootchman

Created on: February 10, 2009   Last Updated: February 15, 2009

One key way to help autistic children (all autistics, actually) is to really try and understand the world from their perspective in an effort to build understanding for all involved, rather than simply rush headlong into misguided attempts at behavior modification. Food and eating are often a great source of contention and concern in families with an autistic child. Yet, eating difficulties in autistic people are rarely if ever power plays, mischievous rebellion, "spoiled" behavior, bids for attention or other plots based on the power of social interaction.

For most children and adults with autism and Asperger Syndrome (AS), powerful sensory issues are the top cause of "picky eater" situations. Smell, temperature and texture are the most common barriers. Empathy for animals may be even be cause of distress in cases where meat is being refused. Often autistic children identify very strongly with animals as friends, not food. Even shapes and colors of food can be a problem, or there may be anxiety if different foods mix or touch on the plate, or if the plate is not the "right" one. Attempts by the child at communicating what the difficulty is are too often ignored or misunderstood, which escalates the child's anxiety into a full meltdown. Food fight!

The problem stems from a lack of variable perspective; neurologically-typical people (non-autistics) can't understand what it is like to have sensory equipment that is calibrated differently than everyone else's. They become dismayed when a dinner is rejected, insulted when food is spit out by someone unable to conceal their emotions under a mask of learned politeness. It is not really possible to know how someone with a sensory disability perceives their food. Autistic people literally don't get the same information as neuro-typical people, or process it it the same way or receive the same outcome. In the autistic and Asperger brain, senses are "wired differently". It's easier to see why cajoling and shaming about eating is ineffective, leading to a relationship based on control and resentment. No food will be enjoyed.

For a neuro-normal parent, honoring the possibility of significantly different sensory pictures being contained in the same food is a critical part of understanding an autistic child's puzzling eating problems. Food and eating are hardwired instinctive behaviors. The autistic person may not be able to overcome the brick walls of sensory aversion associated with a vide variety foods that most people find

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