People with Autism have eating and drinking difficulties too!

International swallowing awareness day - March 13th 2019

Whilst children, young people and adults with autism do not have difficulties with the anatomy of swallowing they often have sensory sensitivities and the desire for sameness which can impact on their ability to tolerate different food and consistencies.

As the difficulties with eating and drinking associated with autism do not often pose a clinical risk they are not prioritised by in terms of funding. That is not so say that these difficulties do not have a huge debilitating impact on people’s everyday lives.

They are not 'fussy eaters' or 'picky eaters', some medical professionals would might describe autistic people as 'sensory avoidant in relation to food'; call it what you will - these eating and drinking difficulties are real.

Feeding your child and making sure they have a good food and drink intake is highly emotive for parents as we want the best for our children. Which is why eating and drinking difficulties are often fraught with high levels of parental anxiety.

 If someone with autism only has a very restricted diet they may be lacking in essential vitamins and minerals. For example they may have undiagnosed anaemia or vitamin D deficiency impacting on their energy levels and overall health.

Sensory issues play a huge part in the autism and this can be supported through interventions from an autism specialist occupational therapist or a specialist speech and language therapist.

Food play groups can help support exploration of different textures, flavours and types of foods; touching and smelling the food without any expectation on the child or young person to taste it unless they choose to do so. 

It’s important to address the eating and drinking difficulties faced by people with autism as they are hugely challenging affecting their families everyday lives. 

#autismunravelled #swallowaware2019 

@RCSLT

@GivingVoiceUK