Tag: Food selectivity

Studies indicate that food selectivity, or a highly limited diet, is significantly more prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder than in typically developing peers. This article explores the evidence-based interventions for food selectivity that can help expand a child's food repertoire and create a more positive mealtime experience.

According to research, the prevalence of picky eating in young children can range from as low as 5.6% to as high as 50%, depending on the study and age group. Understanding the core characteristics is key to answering the question, "How would you describe a picky eater?", as it is more than just disliking a few foods; it involves persistent food selectivity, neophobia, and often strong sensory preferences.

While selective eating affects a significant portion of the autistic population—with some studies reporting rates as high as 89% in children—there is no single answer to the question, 'What do most autistic people eat?'. Preferences are deeply influenced by individual sensory sensitivities, the need for routine, and gastrointestinal issues, resulting in highly varied eating patterns.