Tag: Autism eating habits

Recent research reveals that up to 70% of autistic children exhibit atypical eating behaviors compared to their neurotypical peers, indicating a profound connection between neurological differences and diet. Understanding how autism affects your diet goes beyond simple picky eating and delves into the complex interplay of sensory processing, physical health, and psychological factors.

According to one study, up to 70% of autistic children have distinctive eating behaviors, a rate much higher than their neurotypical peers. For many on the spectrum, these habits often revolve around specific “comfort foods” or “safe foods” that provide a sense of stability and reassurance in an unpredictable world. Understanding the complex reasons behind why autistic people have comfort foods requires looking past simple pickiness and into sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and the need for routine.