Anxiety and eating

Hello all, I am new here. 

My 2 year old son has suspected autism. He has been a very picky eater since he was around one year old. I have noticed that he will sometimes eat if no one is in the room with him. 

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice around this, can children this young have anxiety around eating in front of others? Who should I be contacting about this? 

I have contact with my local children's centre and they have been trying to help me with his eating, however their approach is based off a neurotypical child, it's all generalised information. I think that's why the information they are giving me isn't helping. 

Does anyone have any similar experiences with this? 

I am really worried about the small amount of food that my son is eating, I'm worried he's not getting everything he needs. 

 Can anyone help? 

Parents
  • Hi

    Our son's biggest difficulties lie around food and eating and I totally get your worries. 

    Is he keeping to his line on the growth charts (do you get a little red book anymore when they are born?)

    This is what keeps me semi-sane thinking if he's managing to do that it can't be all bad. If your son has plenty of energy and is growing then try to keep the worry to a minimum. Especially if he'll have vitamin/mineral drops.

    If he eats better alone, then go with that. Would he eat better watching a TV programme or listening to music? My daughter has low weight issues and advice from the dietician was to allow her to eat while reading/watching TV for a while as she would likely learn to eat more that way.

    Good luck x

Reply
  • Hi

    Our son's biggest difficulties lie around food and eating and I totally get your worries. 

    Is he keeping to his line on the growth charts (do you get a little red book anymore when they are born?)

    This is what keeps me semi-sane thinking if he's managing to do that it can't be all bad. If your son has plenty of energy and is growing then try to keep the worry to a minimum. Especially if he'll have vitamin/mineral drops.

    If he eats better alone, then go with that. Would he eat better watching a TV programme or listening to music? My daughter has low weight issues and advice from the dietician was to allow her to eat while reading/watching TV for a while as she would likely learn to eat more that way.

    Good luck x

Children
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