Tips to Make Mealtime Easier for Children with Autism

Feeding issues are common when caring for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This becomes a serious concern because, without proper nutrition, the child with ASD can be vulnerable to other health problems. When providing our home care services in Oakland Park, Florida, we include meal preparation to ensure that the child we care for is eating well. Our professional caregivers know how to address feeding issues.

As part of our disabilities care, we want to help parents of children with ASD make mealtime easier. Occupational therapist Moira Pena has shared the following tips:

• Make sure that the issue is not because of physical problems like toothache, difficulty with chewing, or acid reflux. Our personal home care in North Palm Beach, Florida includes making sure that your child is physically comfortable and well.
• Help your child ease their anxiety with mealtime. Before eating, allow at least 5 minutes of breathing exercises to ease your child’s anxiety. Sticking to a designated mealtime can also help alleviate anxiety.
• Introduce new food gradually. Children with ASD often have anxiety with eating because of unfamiliar food. If they already like a particular food, try introducing different varieties of that food little by little.

For reliable children medical service, feel free to call ASZ Caring Hearts Inc. at 866-981-2843.