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Autism/picky eater
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Question
Hi Valerie,
Needless to say getting my son to try new things let alone expand his diet is a challenge, but a welcome work in progress. My current roadblock is that his school this year does not have a microwave and Dylan like almost all his meals to be warm. I've read the helpful tips and tricks from this site as well as others to coaxing a child to try new things, but are there any common foods (cold) that autistic children prefer?
Thanks in Advance,
Michelle Maffia
Hi Michelle
No not really-every child is different.The need to eat warm foods is common and the lack of a microwave at school is common as well. I went through this with my son. What we do is I send in a cold snack with organic ham and some fruit and chips which he eats at lunchtime. Then, when he gets home, I make him a warm meal (at about 4PM).Then he has a smaller dinner at 7:00.
I have had some parents who spent the $49 and donated a microwave to the classroom.
Does he eat any cold foods like fruit that you can send in for a snack and then he can eat a regular meal when he gets home?
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Answers by Expert:
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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