Eating Strategies

Hi!!

I will be working with an older child (10 years) who struggles to eat fruit and vegetables. His parents have expressed their concerns and want me to find ways of encouraging their child. 

Do any of you have, or used stratedies that have worked?

Help would be highly appreciated!! It's a tough one!!

Thanks x

  • Thank you so much, I will keep this in mind. I really appreciate your replies, they are so so sooo helpful! 

  • Hi,

    I am autistic and used to be a teacher to autistic kids and we used Social Stories.  But if you want them to eat veg and fruit do NOT mention those words at all, in my opinion.  Just one day - after a lot of time - turn up with a box of small bit sized pieces of fruit for you to eat during your session.  Don't offer them until the child seems inquisative and let them taste one or two pieces.  

    They have to put their trust in you before you can alter their mind.  It may take some time.  Taste and texture are higly individual, especially to an autistic person with heightened sensitivity.  So don't go in and think you can do a social story and find they eat fruit and veg.  It may have taken them 10 years to get to the stage where they are at and it may take another few years to try.

    My dad is 90 and still doesn't eat fruit and veg! and he's lived a healthy life otherwise.

    Margaret