Everything you\u2019ve been told about eating is wrong! Ok, maybe not everything. But eating is not easy. It is a  physically complex process that involves the coordination of all of the senses. This can be overwhelming for a child with Autism who may have sensory processing challenges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One way to help your child become familiar with new food in a fun way is to let your child play with their food. Yes, let your child play with their food! Get creative with your child to play make-believe and do fun activities. For example, if your child can \u201cpretend play,\u201d you can pretend the broccoli are little trees! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This would be an excellent way to introduce your child\u2019s favorite toys into your mealtimes. One idea for broccoli would be to have toy trucks \u201chaul-away\u201d the \u201ctrees\u201d or bring in dolls and little doll plates for the toys to \u201ctaste\u201d the new food. If your child is not ready for pretend play, consider a more sensory approach.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensory processing disorder can make it hard for your child to eat. Foods with a new texture can be especially challenging. Instead of forcing the new food, make it fun! Make a huge mess on purpose. One helpful tip to introduce new food would be to \u201clearn\u201d the new texture with their fingers first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an example, they could use applesauce and yogurt as finger paints and create pictures. Or if you get a little more creative you can chop up new food and put it in a bowl of whipped cream for your child to \u201cfind\u201d with their fingers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dig it out and put it into another bowl like buried treasure! Who knew pirates liked to eat dinner? However, I know making a giant mess every day is not practical.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not every day is a good day to make a huge mess with whipped cream at the table, but that doesn\u2019t mean that you can\u2019t enjoy fun family time during meals. Life gets busy between school and work and there\u2019s not always time for digging celery out of a bowl of whipped cream while shouting \u201cay matey!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, not to fear, there are some easy tools you can use to help your child tolerate food on their plates and create their own games.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Help your child to create their own fun at the dinner table! Allow your child to be independent in their exploration of food, especially new foods. If you let your child lead their own exploration you can be relieved of trying to \u201ccreate\u201d playtime during mealtimes and teach your child independence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some fun accessories that your child might enjoy could be their own set of utensils, plates, and bowls that they can pick out for themselves. There are even boardgames style plates with little sections for bites of food to get to the end of the game! <\/p>\n\n\n\n