One of the most challenging diagnoses to deal with in autistic children is AFRID, or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. This goes way beyond just “picky eating” and can become a life-threatening condition.
To make matters worse, it is a poorly understood disorder that everyone seems to have an opinion on. If you’ve ever heard “They’ll eat if they get hungry enough” or “Back in my day, kids just ate what was offered,” this one’s for you!
In this article, I’ll provide valuable insights, strategies, and support to help you overcome these feeding difficulties with love and understanding…so let’s jump right in/
Understanding AFRID and Its Impact
AFRID is more than just picky eating; it's a complex disorder characterized by an extreme aversion to certain foods, textures, smells, or even colors. Autistic children with AFRID may experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or rigid eating patterns, making mealtimes challenging.
You must remember that these feeding issues are not your fault as a parent; they are a manifestation of your child's unique sensory processing and challenges with food.
Creating a Supportive Mealtime Environment
The following are suggestions for ways to create an engaging, supportive environment around food and mealtimes…
- Establish a routine: Consistency and structure can provide a sense of security for your child. Set regular meal and snack times to create predictability.
- Respect sensory sensitivities: Take note of your child's sensitivities and adapt accordingly. Experiment with different food textures, temperatures, and presentation styles to find what works best for them.
- Encourage gradual exposure: Introduce new foods gradually, one at a time. Incorporate preferred foods with new ones to make the experience less overwhelming.
- Make it a family affair: Eating together as a family can create a positive atmosphere and serve as a role model for your child. Seeing others enjoy various foods can encourage them to try new things.
- Or don’t make it a family affair: If you have extended family members who don’t understand your child’s needs and sensitivities, it may be time to put up some boundaries. If they’re giving you or your child a hard time about doing what is medically necessary to help your child successfully eat, it is your job as your parent to limit the amount of interference those other family members have with your child.
Seeking Professional Support
Consult with a healthcare professional: Reach out to your child's pediatrician or a registered dietitian who specializes in autism and feeding issues. They can provide personalized advice and strategies tailored to your child's specific needs.
- Therapy options: Occupational therapy and speech therapy can help address sensory challenges and improve oral motor skills, respectively. These therapies can support your child in developing healthier eating habits.
- Support groups and communities: Connecting with other autism parents and joining support groups can provide a valuable network of understanding and shared experiences. Online forums, social media groups, and local organizations can offer support and resources.
Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day!
Progress may be slow, but each small step counts. Celebrate all the victories, no matter how small. Even one bite can be a cause for celebration! Be patient with your child's journey toward a healthier relationship with food.
Work Closely With Your Medical Team
As scary as it is, sometimes kids with AFRID will require medical interventions to help them gain weight and stay hydrated. Create a care plan with your team of physicians that ensures your child’s health takes precedence, but gives leeway to allow them to overcome the challenges they face.
If you find yourself in a position where medical intervention is necessary, try to frame it as a positive.
“Failure to Thrive” is one of the hardest diagnoses to get as a parent because of the way it’s worded…it’s impossible to not feel like you or your child are a failure!
If your child requires a feeding tube, know that they (and you) are not alone! There are multiple support groups available online to support you and your child as you navigate this new normal. There may even be one close to your local area with meetups you can attend. Ask your gastroenterologist or feeding specialist for more information.
Prioritize Self-Care for Yourself
AFRID is a hard one to deal with. It can be mind-boggling to have a child who isn’t able to eat enough to sustain themselves. When you add in the stress and potential trauma of the medical interventions which are sometimes required, parents are left exhausted, worried, and overwhelmed.
If you and your child are navigating the world of autism and AFRID, taking care of yourself may seem like a pipe dream, but I urge you to find some time in your day to make it work.
That’s why I created The Quick Start Self-Care Guide. It helps busy autism parents like you find the time in your hectic day to set aside just 5-10 minutes to focus on your needs. Even a few minutes a day can make a big difference. And if you have more time, there’s always more self-care you can do!
Conclusion
Dealing with AFRID and feeding issues in autistic children requires empathy, understanding, and support. By creating a supportive mealtime environment, seeking professional guidance, and connecting with other autism parents, you can empower yourself and your child to overcome these challenges together.
Remember, you're doing an incredible job as a parent, and your kiddo is lucky to have you in their corner. With time and patience, you'll help your child develop a positive relationship with food that supports their overall well-being.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and support. It's essential to consult with qualified healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance. This article is not medical advice, and should not be treated as such.
This article is part of our series on Autism and Co-Occurring Conditions…check back on August 2, 2023, to view the complete collection.
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