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Not eating in school

ParentingAutism

Hi, I am having issues with my daughter who will not eat in school. Teachers are trying to do everything they can but nothing works and we don't know what to do. 

Ever since she's joined the school, which was last week, she hasn't eaten anything there yet. She has 3 breaks during the day where she can have a snack or lunch. The teachers have been amazing trying to get her to eat and breaking it down for her to make it easier. They have tried to get her to make lunch, even if it's 1 thing. They've managed to get her to put a sausage roll into her lunchbox but she wont eat it. They let her visit the kitchen when no-one is there so it's quieter. They will give her all the available options and let her look at all the food but she doesn't take anything. Today, we are 1 step closer because she took a snack bar and had it on her but she had it when she got home, where she then had lunch. 

Another issue is that she won't have a drink in school. We've tried everything but she won't and we won't force her to do something she doesn't want to do. We have tried to get her to take lunch and a drink in but she won't take the lunch but if she takes the bottle she won't drink out of it. I'm not quite sure what to do because she can't sleep because of this because she hungry because she doesn't eat dinner and she is dizzy and lightheaded when she stands up.

If anyone has any tips, thank you so much. x

  • in reply to Peter

    At school, they have a bigger range and she does like some foods there. It is a kitchen they get to choose from. She likes sausage rolls, the fruits, crisps and the snack pieces they have and there isn't a huge difference just more options. We know that she can't decide when there are too many options and we know she does have an issue with eating with other people. I mean this could be the reason because she has low-confidence as well. We are trying to get to the bottom of this quickly and like I said, we are doing everything we can. 

    She has a cooking lesson Monday and has chosen nothing to cook, she even had the option to make something for someone else or even for the dog. The teachers have tried to get to know her better like her favorite foods and what she likes and doesn't like but she's only told them what she likes and is difficult to get things out of her about food. Even tho she doesn't stop eating at home... 

  • in reply to Caelus

    Yes, I do remind her that she could have tubes in her but another thing that worries me is that she is wearing joggers and hoodies and maybe a coat in the summer weather but in winter she'll be in shorts and a t-shirt. 

    I forgot to mention that she does get to choose and the teachers give her every option available going through every food there is but when it come to the snack box she usually has a look and leaves the kitchen, where the teacher follows since she can't be left alone. The issue is, the teacher has to put the snacks away and lock up unless there's a spare teacher available. Im not sure what to do. She always leaves when they get the snack box out then always heads to the garden. 

  • Hi ,

    I am sorry to hear that you've had some difficulty with your daughter's eating. You may find the following information from the NAS useful around eating strategies in children with autism:

    https://community.autism.org.uk/f/parents-and-carers/22689/not-eating-in-school 

    I hope this helps,

    ChloeMod

  • perhaps ask her what she ideally would like in her lunchbox? maybe if she chose herself shed have it?
    all i can think of, the not drinking is pretty worrying especially in the hotter days like now.
    maybe also slightly remind her that if she doesnt eat or drink she will end up with tubes in her that will deliver nutrients and fluids by force? doubt she will want that outcome....

  • how does the food in her lunch box / school cafeteria vary from what she eats outside of school? Is there much of a difference?