What’s To Eat

Finding foods that my autistic, ADHD son would eat has always been a challenge. When he was born he refused to take a bottle in the ICU  (remember we were adopting him) until his dad just gently forced it in his mouth.  The nurses had been trying for several hours and were getting quite alarmed. From that moment I realized that food was my nemesis. This was going to be a long and difficult journey. 

Feeding A Newborn

Bottles with formula worked in the hospital and the nurses handled  the feedings.  But by the time we brought him home no formula would stay down.  His tummy couldn’t handle anything. His reflux was so bad that we started adding baby oatmeal into the formula.  We had to cut a hole in the bottle so it would go thorough.  It worked most of the time but there were days that reflux won.  The doctors even recommended  a very expensive formula, ($20 for 8oz)  This was going to be way more than we could afford since he was always hungry.  Hubby had the great idea and asked for some samples from the company. They sent a case of 12 cans for free.  Hallelujah !   We  thought.  It didn’t work, still regurgitating everywhere. Sometimes it was even projectile.  Once I saw hubby headed off to work with milk stains.  He said this was the third time he had changed (he did the early feeding) and he just gave up. But at least he did have one meal in the child before he left for work.

Your baby Needs Food

My neighbor from El Salvador came over one day and said “your baby is hungry and needs real food.” He was only 3 months old.  But I was willing to try anything.  We started with mashed peas and sweet potatoes.  Getting the correct texture and smell is very important when feeding an autistic child. So, I was happy we invested in a food processor.  I also put the mixtures in ice trays and freeze for later.  One of his favorite meals was vegetarian lasagna. I put portabella mushrooms, spinach, carrots, cheese, plus any other vegetable that I had on hand.  Then,I would mix it in the food processor until it resembled dog food.  Like I have mentioned, it is all about texture.  Plus, I began to realize HE DID NOT LIKE TO CHEW.  The food processor saves the day, and my baby is eating. Moving to solid smooth food is helping him gain weight and keep it down.

 Learn  What They Like

I know some people believe you can make children eat what you want.  This can be true, but when dealing with a special needs child, you will need to be creative.  You need to become a detective when it comes to developing your child’s menu.  They say it can take at least twenty times to introduce a new food to a child.  Rice was my enemy.  Hubby comes from a place where rice is revered.  I think we got to 24 times over 3 months, and the child finally would at least put it in his mouth.  He did like spaghetti with very little meat, hummus, most vegetables and fruits.  Meat was not something he would eat. Mainly because he didn’t like chewing.  When I discovered a food he enjoyed, it was added to his diet.  I always carried a cooler with me with things I knew he would eat.  Plus, if he stayed with friends or relatives. I always prepared food for travel.   This may seem like a lot of work, but actually, it kept the peace and made me and him happy.  No, he didn’t like McDonald’s hamburgers. He only ate the rolls with ketchup. He felt like he was eating at McDonald’s, the same as his friends. Like I said, it was a process. Learn how to give you and your child a win.

Living with Food

The relationship between food and special needs children and even adults can be challenging. There is also a link between their gut and brain.  You can research this scientific information.. I am just sharing this mothers struggles, observations, success, and losses. Here are a few more observations;

My food can’t touch each other on the plate.

I eat one food at a time.’ 

I can eat the same thing everyday, variety does not matter (this is true even as an adult).

I crave drinks with sugar and caffeine.

The most important thing is to find what works with your child and roll with it. If the doctors say it is too early to introduce solid food, rely on your motherwit and KNOW YOUR CHILD. If he or she wants to eat spaghetti for three months for breakfast, just think of a creative way to hide some veggies with it. Smoothies are a great place to hide vegetables and protein.  You are going to have a lot more battles to fight with this individual. This is an easy one for you to win and have SUCCESS.