Picky Eating Amongst Neurodivergents: Understanding the Nuances and Offering Support

Picky eating is a common issue that many parents and caregivers face, but when it comes to neurodivergent individuals, such as those on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, or sensory processing challenges, this behavior can be more than just a simple dislike for certain foods. It is important to recognize that for neurodivergent individuals, picky eating often stems from sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and even difficulties with motor skills. Understanding these underlying factors can help caregivers approach picky eating with empathy, and find ways to encourage a healthier relationship with food.

Sensory Sensitivities and Food Aversions

Neurodivergent individuals often experience the world in unique ways, and this extends to how they perceive food. Sensory processing differences can cause overwhelming reactions to the taste, texture, smell, or even the appearance of food. For example, a child with autism may find the texture of a mushy banana intolerable or may be repelled by the strong smell.

Why Neurodivergents May Be More Prone to Picky Eating

1. Sensory Sensitivities: One of the key reasons neurodivergent individuals may struggle with picky eating is due to sensory processing differences. For example, individuals on the autism spectrum or those with SPD might find certain textures, tastes, or smells overwhelming. A food that is too crunchy, too soft, or has an unexpected flavor can trigger intense discomfort. Foods with strong smells, unusual textures, or unexpected combinations of flavors might feel intolerable, causing immediate rejection.
2. Rigid Preferences and Routine: Many neurodivergent people prefer predictability and routine, and this can extend to their eating habits. They may develop rigid preferences for certain types of food and resist trying new things because of the unfamiliarity. This preference for routine, common in individuals with autism or ADHD, often leads to eating the same foods repetitively, which is comforting but may lead to nutritional imbalances over time.
3. Anxiety Around Mealtimes: Anxiety, particularly for those with autism or ADHD, can play a significant role in picky eating. The pressure to eat new foods, changes in texture, or even the social aspect of dining can make mealtimes stressful. For some, eating in a noisy or chaotic environment can cause heightened anxiety, leading to avoidance of food altogether.
4. Oral-Motor and Fine Motor Challenges: Neurodivergent individuals, especially children, may struggle with oral-motor skills, which are essential for chewing and swallowing food safely. Weakness in these muscles can make certain foods difficult to eat, leading to avoidance. Additionally, fine motor challenges can make using utensils more difficult, which adds another layer of difficulty during mealtimes.

Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals with Picky Eating

Addressing picky eating in neurodivergent individuals requires patience, creativity, and understanding. Here are some strategies that may help:

1. Respect Sensory Preferences: Acknowledge that sensory sensitivities are real and valid. Rather than forcing a neurodivergent person to eat foods that cause distress, work on finding alternatives that provide the same nutrients but in forms that are more tolerable. For instance, if soft textures are an issue, try offering crunchy versions of the same food.
2. Create Predictability: Developing a structured mealtime routine can help ease anxiety. Try serving familiar foods along with one new or less preferred option, allowing the individual to feel a sense of control while gradually expanding their food preferences. You can also involve them in planning meals to increase predictability and reduce anxiety around unfamiliar dishes.
3. Use Gradual Exposure: Instead of introducing new foods all at once, consider a more gradual approach. Start by allowing the neurodivergent individual to interact with the food in ways that don’t require eating it—such as smelling or touching it—before moving on to tasting. This step-by-step exposure can reduce anxiety and help build trust around new foods.
4. Accommodate Environmental Factors: For individuals who struggle with mealtime anxiety, consider adjusting the dining environment to make it more comfortable. Reducing noise, minimizing distractions, and creating a calm, predictable space can help make mealtimes less overwhelming.
5. Collaborate with Professionals: For more severe cases, working with professionals such as occupational therapists (OTs), speech therapists, or dietitians who specialize in neurodivergent eating patterns can be highly beneficial. OTs, in particular, can help address sensory challenges and oral-motor skills, while dietitians can provide strategies to ensure nutritional needs are met even with a limited diet.
6. Celebrate Small Wins: Progress in expanding food preferences may be slow, but celebrating small victories is important. If a neurodivergent individual tries a new food—even if they don’t like it—acknowledge their effort. Positive reinforcement and patience go a long way in building a positive relationship with food.

Reframing Picky Eating: Strength in Preferences

Rather than viewing picky eating as a problem to be “fixed,” it’s important to respect that neurodivergent individuals experience food in unique ways. Their preferences may reflect their need for predictability or a way to self-regulate sensory input. By understanding these preferences and working with them, families and caregivers can help neurodivergent individuals build a healthier, less stressful relationship with food.

Conclusion

Picky eating among neurodivergent individuals is a complex and multifaceted issue, influenced by sensory sensitivities, anxiety, motor challenges, and the need for routine. With understanding, patience, and professional support, caregivers can help create a positive, supportive mealtime environment where neurodivergent individuals feel empowered to explore new foods at their own pace. By embracing their unique needs, we can foster a more inclusive and empathetic approach to food and eating for neurodivergent people.