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Discontinued safe food

Aimée

Hi,

I have a certain food that I eat every day for breakfast and have done for about 10 years. However, recently it has been discontinued and I have had multiple meltdowns and panic attacks over this because I don’t eat many foods and have never found any good equivalents. I have managed to find some chocolate brioche rolls that I can eat for breakfast instead but I don’t feel comfortable taking these away with me on holiday for example, or eating them in public. I also simply miss the taste and texture of my old safe food. Rather than looking for practical solutions (such as finding the food to buy online), I’d love to hear advice on how to deal with changes to foods or other changes to routines because for me this causes immense emotional distress that can last for months or years. I’d like to know that I’m not alone in feeling this way.

Aimée

Parents

  • Dear Aimee,

    I am sorry to hear that your safe breakfast food has been discontinued. I know a lot of the autistic community struggle when a safe food has been discontinued or part of their routine has changed. I hope the online community can offer some advice on how to manage this. 

    In terms of advice on how to deal with this, I have copied some of the NAS guidance that may be helpful when coping with triggers that bring anxiety or distress:

    Understand the triggers

    Keep a diary to help identify when you are anxious, and what might make it worse.  

    Monitor and manage your energy levels

    Be aware of your energy levels after social interactions and other events/situations that you may find tiring or difficult.  Recharge by taking time for yourself and doing things you enjoy. 

    Make the environment work 

    Make adaptations to the environment where possible, for example lower unnatural light if too harsh. 
    Try noise-cancelling headphones to reduce sensory overload.  

    Self-soothe

    Use sensory tools and stimming to reduce anxiety levels, if that works for you.

    Relaxation and calming activities 

    Try relaxation methods such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga and exercise.  

    Visual schedules

    Visual schedules to help structure the day and reduce uncertainty within your day.

    Use an app

    The following app offers personalised support with anxiety.

    Molehill Mountain – includes: 

    • a system for tracking mood and identifying triggers
    • evidence-based tips on how to self-manage anxiety levels.

    I know some of these may not apply or be helpful in your situation but hopefully they may give you some ideas on how to manage this difficult period. 

    In terms of the change from routine, it can be helpful to focus on what you can control in the moment, so for instance your safe food has been discontinued but you may be able to eat your new food at the same time with other familiar routines that you may have.

    Wishing you the best,

    Olivia Mod

Reply

  • Dear Aimee,

    I am sorry to hear that your safe breakfast food has been discontinued. I know a lot of the autistic community struggle when a safe food has been discontinued or part of their routine has changed. I hope the online community can offer some advice on how to manage this. 

    In terms of advice on how to deal with this, I have copied some of the NAS guidance that may be helpful when coping with triggers that bring anxiety or distress:

    Understand the triggers

    Keep a diary to help identify when you are anxious, and what might make it worse.  

    Monitor and manage your energy levels

    Be aware of your energy levels after social interactions and other events/situations that you may find tiring or difficult.  Recharge by taking time for yourself and doing things you enjoy. 

    Make the environment work 

    Make adaptations to the environment where possible, for example lower unnatural light if too harsh. 
    Try noise-cancelling headphones to reduce sensory overload.  

    Self-soothe

    Use sensory tools and stimming to reduce anxiety levels, if that works for you.

    Relaxation and calming activities 

    Try relaxation methods such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga and exercise.  

    Visual schedules

    Visual schedules to help structure the day and reduce uncertainty within your day.

    Use an app

    The following app offers personalised support with anxiety.

    Molehill Mountain – includes: 

    • a system for tracking mood and identifying triggers
    • evidence-based tips on how to self-manage anxiety levels.

    I know some of these may not apply or be helpful in your situation but hopefully they may give you some ideas on how to manage this difficult period. 

    In terms of the change from routine, it can be helpful to focus on what you can control in the moment, so for instance your safe food has been discontinued but you may be able to eat your new food at the same time with other familiar routines that you may have.

    Wishing you the best,

    Olivia Mod

Children