How do autism and diet correlate? There are various ways that food impacts the lives of children with autism. Sometimes, parents spend a lot of time trying to balance food aversions with nutrition. Many children have sensitivities that can’t be improved. Other times, behavioral issues get in the way of a child receiving the nutrition they need. At Camp Worth, we offer a food and nutrition program that may be able to benefit your child.
What’s the Link Between Autism and Diet?
There’s a lot researchers don’t understand about autism just yet. Food and proper nutrition are essential for the development of all people. Many children with learning delays and health complications lack a healthy diet. In some situations, the same can apply to children with autism. The key is to see the complications and then to try to find a solution. Your child may:
- Throw tantrums when sitting down to eat
- Refuse to eat foods
- Refuse to eat foods that are nutritious
- May have concerns with the smell of the food
- May struggle with the texture of the food
As picky eaters, it is quite common for parents to become frustrated about what a child is or is not eating. Keep in mind that a child with allergies and food sensitivities that impact digestion or health shouldn’t be made to consume those foods. In other situations, there may be help.
How Autism Nutrition Is Vital
Proper nutrition is crucial to a child’s growth and development. It’s easy to see how a picky eater may not be growing as fast as other children. There’s no better way for your child to get nutrition than in foods, though. It contributes to their brain’s growth and development, a healthy weight, and overall good energy. Many times, picky eaters struggle with a lack of nutrition, and parents feel helpless to get proper nutrients in their bodies.
Improving Diet and Nutrition in Autism
What can be done, then, to help a child that needs more nutrition but refuses to eat those foods? One of the tools available is our food and nutrition program at Camp Worth. In this program, like many of our others, we work closely with a child to help him or her to overcome the challenges they face. Even if you’ve tried everything before, we can help your child to work through these limitations and obstacles.
Some of the ways we can help your child include:
- Improving consistency in the foods they eat
- Aiding in visual schedules
- Encouraging a child to try something new through motivational means
- Aiding with fine and gross motor skills as they apply to food
- Encouraging better behaviors during mealtimes
When a child works closely with our team, they may begin to eat foods they have not before. They may also move away from a diet of processed foods and high carbohydrates, which is common for many.
In addition to helping children with diet, our team is also readily available to help with other services and needs your child has. This may include helping you, as a parent, to apply the skills we teach in our programs to your home life, giving you the ability to support your child’s wellbeing in the best way possible. Some of our programs include:
- Counseling and behavior analysis program
- Autism parent training program
- Food and nutrition program
- Social skills group
- Individual therapy program
Improve Your Child’s Diet and Behavior with Camp Worth
Autism and diet may be linked, but what’s most important is finding a way to support your child. If you are ready to get help for your son or daughter, Camp Worth offers a range of resources and therapy programs to help. Learn more about our services when you call 855.915.2545 or reach us now online.
