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Problems with Drinking Fluids

NAS76172

Hi,

My partner has a 5 year old non verbal autistic boy and we are at a loss as to what to do. We struggle to get him to consume any type of drink and it has got to the point where his lips are severely dry, cracked and bleed.

He takes some sips of tea and diet pepsi and might have the equivalent of 1 cup of fluids in a day. It doesn't help that he only accepts sugary drinks which we realise does not help the situation greatly but it is the only type of fluid we can get in him.

We try to encourage him to drink but too much persistence results in rejectment. He won't eat liquid rich foods and has a very beige diet.

As a result of his cracked lips (the cold weather is also a big contributing factor) he gets really upset and screams the house down. We try to comfort him but it can be very hard as we can't communicate with him other than him grabbing our hands and placing them on his lips which is him trying to tell us it hurts. We try to vaseline them when he is asleep as he wont let us put anything on when he's awake.

Besides the cracked lips we are very concerned for his health as he is clearly dehydrated.

Is there anyone in a similar situation or has any advice? It is very upsetting knowing what he needs but being unable to explain to him if he drank more the problems would go away.

We have tried straws, ice lollies, different cups/glasses/mugs and gently forcing fluid in his mouth but this is not a solution.

Any help or advice is appreciated.

Parents

  • My little brother has sensory issues with food and drink. He absolutely loves innocent smoothies which not only hydrates him but it is full of fruit and veg that we could never get him to eat. Have you tried those?  It saved my brother from needing medical help (which might be a route you need to take) Have you tried fizzy water and adding fruit juice or squash to it as it might mimic the texture of a fizzy drink. A good secret way to get kids to drink is to do water play. At the kitchen sink or even in the bath. Just don’t use any bubbles and gives lots of items that can hold water. And leave the tap running cold. Without the attention sometimes they drink. What do his school do/say about the situation? Do they find it hard to get him to drink too?

  • in reply to NAS77095

    Thank you for your reply. I think the sparkling water is a good idea. I think I have one of those soda streams in the cupboard somewhere. Will also give the innocent smoothie idea a go!

    His school is quite concerned about the amount he drinks. It's one of the topics discussed a lot. They do their best and even make him cups of tea to drink.

    We will be speaking with the GP soon regarding it. Hopefully they can give some advice too.

Reply
  • in reply to NAS77095

    Thank you for your reply. I think the sparkling water is a good idea. I think I have one of those soda streams in the cupboard somewhere. Will also give the innocent smoothie idea a go!

    His school is quite concerned about the amount he drinks. It's one of the topics discussed a lot. They do their best and even make him cups of tea to drink.

    We will be speaking with the GP soon regarding it. Hopefully they can give some advice too.

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