Expert: Catherine Ridenour - 1/3/2009

Question
Our son Garrett, age 13, has continually been eating the same foods, which limits is diet.  He also has a gag reflex.  If he sees something we would like to try, because it is not "his norm" he will walk away and not try it.  Any suggestions?  Additionally with his TV programming, he is still stuck watching programs designed for children much younger.  Is this normal, or should we not rock the boat too much.?

Answer
Dear John and Jodi,

I'm really sad when I hear this because the best strategy is to prevent this pattern from forming. You didn't say how long this had been going on nor what he prefers to eat. I don't know "function" level either. Is he Asperger's syndrome, high-functioning autistic, verbal/non-verbal etc? However, now that it has happened, here are some general strategies.

Try to identify what his preferred foods have in common. Is it shape, color, flavor or texture? If there is a commonality, try introducing very small quantities of new things, along with the accepted foods, that are similar in the dominant factor. For instance, some kids get hooked on french fries. Cutting white bread in similar strips and toasting it is a way to introduce a different taste without pushing the texture or shape button.

If he will eat anything of a soft texture, like mashed potatoes, try mixing tiny amounts of other pureed soft veggies into the batch. (Everyone at the table needs to eat it.) I mean really tiny. Over time, increase the amount of the food until he's eating enough of it to taste it.

The truth is, at his age, he's going to know you doing it. You can fool a small child for a while but not a 13 year old. Tricking him is not the goal. Getting him to realize that variety is a good thing is the point.

Most kids won't truly starve themselves. It may be worth trying the "this is what's for dinner" approach. If he walks away, "see you at breakfast." Then be sure you serve something new at breakfast, too. Leave apples or something out for him but not his favorites. You may have to lock cabinets and the fridge to succeed. This is a "tough love" approach but it can work. Giving in to him is not doing him any favors. The real world is not that accommodating.

As to the television, I would place a strict limit on how much time he can spend with the children's programming. In fact, if he loves it a lot, you might be able to use TV time as a reward for trying new food.

Be aware that his emotional function may be well behind his age and intellect. Sesame Street works on his emotional level and it tries to teach social skills so that is not all bad. Teen programming is very socially complex. He does not understand the sexual allusions or the social situations. He probably finds it confusing or just plain jibberish. If he will watch nature programs, science programs, history, and the like, I'd head that way. Try buying some good DVDs that have this kind of content.

If none of this works, see if you can get some help from an occupational therapist to address the eating issue. It is something they see all the time. Sometimes, having someone outside the family who does not play by the same "script" can work wonders.

Write back and let me know how things are going.

Best wishes,
Catherine