Autism/Autism and Diet

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Expert: - 5/12/2009


Question
Hopefully you can give us some suggestions.  I have a mildly autistic 7 year old grandson, that will eat practically nothing.  He would rather starve than try something new.

His diet consists of mainly peanut-butter toast, pizza, apples, french toast, pancakes, milk, juice and sweets such as ice cream, cookies, chocolate.  He is given a vitamin daily.  It is liquid and has to be hidden in a drink.  I am worried about is health.  He is skinny and pale.

Do you have any idea why he would react this way about food.  Is it the an autistic trait.  When he was a baby he would eat anything and seem to love it.  Is there anything that we can do to change this.

Thank you for your time.
nwjkeJudy


Answer
Hi Judy

Yes, this is an autistic trait. Many children with autism are like your grandson. He needs to be re-trained to eat properly. Actually, his diet isn't as bad as I have seen.

If you want, I can help give you some ideas to re-train him. Diet is really important for children with autism.

Let me know if you would like to set up a formal consultation which we can do on the phone.

Valerie Herskowitz, MA CCC-SLP
www.valerieherskowitz.com

Autism

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Valerie Herskowitz

Expertise

I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience

I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
Vice President of Communications Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Member American Speech and Hearing Association, MembernAutism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

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