Feeding difficulties are very common in this population, and they can significantly impact long-term health, development, and independence. 

Improves Nutrition and Physical Health

• Picky eating or food refusal can lead to nutritional deficiencies, poor growth, or even failure to thrive.

• Feeding therapy helps expand food acceptance and ensures a more balanced diet, which is essential for brain development, energy, and immune function.

Addresses Sensory Integration

• Therapists help children tolerate new textures, temperatures, and smells.

• Over time, this improves mealtime behavior and reduces anxiety around food.

Builds Oral-Motor and Functional Skills

• Many children need help with the mechanics of eating: chewing, sipping, swallowing, using utensils.

• Mastering these skills is key for eating independently.

Enhances Communication Around Mealtimes

• Feeding therapy often overlaps with speech and language goals (e.g., requesting foods, using PECS or AAC).

• This empowers the child to express hunger, preferences, or discomfort.

Promotes Social Engagement and Routine

• Mealtime is often a social activity. Being able to eat with others supports social participation and inclusion in daily family and school routines.

Why Feeding Issues Happen in Autism

• Sensory sensitivities (e.g., to texture, smell, or color of food)

• Restricted and repetitive behaviors (leading to limited food variety)

• Motor skill challenges (e.g., chewing, swallowing, or utensil use)

• Medical issues (e.g., GI problems or reflux)

• Communication barriers (difficulty expressing hunger or preferences)

Long-Term Benefits for Independence

• Ensures balanced nutrition, energy, and supports physical growth

• Builds independence in self-feeding, utensil use, and food prep

• Reduces feeding disruptions in school lunch settings

• Encourages participation in family meals, parties, community life

• Less reliance on parents for special meal prep or feeding routines