Impact At Scale #19 | The Role of Nutrition in Supporting Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Social Sector Perspective

In my years of working with children, particularly those who are neurodivergent, one aspect that has stood out is the overlooked role of nutrition. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) brings a set of unique challenges, and parents, educators, and caregivers often find themselves battling more than just developmental and behavioural issues.

Nutritional challenges, while less talked about, can have a profound impact on the overall well-being of these children.?

As we observe National Nutrition Week, we must discuss how diet can affect children on the spectrum and what we can do, as a community, to support them better.

What does science say?

Research shows that children with ASD frequently face feeding difficulties that result in poor nutritional intake. A review found that children with autism are five times more likely to struggle with eating issues compared to their typically developing peers. These issues result in deficiencies that can affect their behaviour, cognitive development, and physical health. For parents, these challenges often lead to frustration and worry, knowing that their child's diet may be impacting their ability to focus, learn, and grow.

Factors Contributing to the Problem

1. Sensory Sensitivities: From my work with Saadhya School, I’ve seen firsthand how children with ASD can be overwhelmed by sensory inputs. Food texture, smell, and even colour can cause anxiety. This sensitivity leads many children to reject entire food groups that are crucial for their health, such as fruits, vegetables, and proteins. I’ve met parents who tell me their child will only eat foods like—Upma, Khichadi, rice (easily chewable)—and will refuse anything else that disturbs their palette’s texture habits. These restricted diets are a serious concern because they can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and fibre.
2. Food Selectivity and Rigidity: Children with autism often display repetitive behaviours and rigidity, which can extend to their eating habits- for instance, kids with ASD might be more comfortable with food items that are easy on their palate and reduce their chewing frequency, making them less open to consuming fibrous and protein-rich food. This results in a narrow range of accepted foods, which may not be nutritionally sufficient. A study reported that when compared to Typically Developing Children (TDC), children with ASD were more likely to have high food selectivity. This makes it difficult for parents to introduce new foods or create a balanced diet, often causing a cycle where the child becomes dependent on unhealthy, carbohydrate-heavy meals.
3. Gastrointestinal Issues: According to one study, children with ASD were six to eight times more likely to experience GI symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea than children who were normally developing. These problems not only worsen their physical discomfort but also contribute to a lack of interest in eating, further limiting their diet. Addressing this requires an integrated approach—supporting both the child’s physical and emotional relationship with food.
4. Limited Access to Specialized Support: While nutritional challenges are widespread, access to specialized dietary support is limited, especially in underserved communities. Many parents we work with do not have access to nutritionists who understand the complexities of autism. The solutions available to them are often too generic and do not take into account the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

The Way Forward

As someone deeply involved in creating change for neurodivergent children, I believe nutrition needs to be a priority in our interventions. Below are some steps that can help us address this problem:

1. Promoting Awareness and Education: At the heart of the solution is awareness. Parents, caregivers, educators, and even the children themselves must understand the importance of nutrition in managing autism. Workshops, seminars, and community-driven programs must be made accessible, particularly in under-resourced areas. These initiatives should focus on educating families on how food choices directly influence their child’s behaviour, mood, and overall health.
2. Collaborating with Experts: A multidisciplinary approach is crucial. Collaborating with nutritionists, occupational therapists, and autism specialists can help create personalized nutrition plans for children. In my experience, individualized care makes a huge difference. By addressing sensory challenges with gradual food exposure, offering options with similar textures or flavours, and using positive reinforcement, we can expand children’s dietary preferences.
3. Incorporating Nutrition into Educational Spaces: Schools and childcare centres play a critical role in shaping the habits of children. We can integrate nutrition-based activities within schools to encourage healthier food choices. Simple activities, such as teaching children how to grow their own vegetables or creating fun, sensory-friendly snacks (explore how generic Indian food can be presented to kids with ASD that is easy on their palette: Palak aka spinach can be ground into a paste instead of feeding them it in a sabzi format), can make a significant difference.
4. Advocating for Policy Changes: The role of policymakers cannot be understated. In the social sector, we need to advocate for government support to ensure that the nutritional needs of children with autism are recognized and funded. Whether through inclusion in healthcare packages, creating incentives for specialized diet programs, or ensuring that schools cater to neurodivergent students’ dietary requirements, there is much that can be done at a systemic level.

It is time we recognise that food is more than fuel—it is a vital component in the holistic development of children. Through increased awareness, targeted interventions, and community collaboration, we can ensure that neurodivergent children receive the nourishment they deserve for a brighter future. As we observe National Nutrition Week, let us commit to creating a future where every child, including those on the autism spectrum, has access to the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and thrive.?

What is your approach toward ensuring kids on the ASD spectrum receive appropriate nutrition? Let me know in the comments section below.?

Until next time,

Gayathri Vasudevan