Help Eating and food
Neurodivergent individuals can process taste, touch and sound sensations differently to others, as well as other sensory experiences. This can influence an individual’s food and drink preferences. This can also make trying new foods particularly challenging.It is important to support any dietary preferences and needs a neurodivergent individual may have while maintaining their nutrition and physical health.
Below is information that can help you and your child understand what makes a healthy diet, answer concerns about eating in neurodivergent children and young people, and improve their confidence in trying new foods.
If you have concerns that your child is not eating a balanced diet with the correct nutrients, speak with your GP. If you are concerned about possible ARFID or another eating disorder, make a referral to MindMate SPA (Single Point of Access) who can support you to find the appropriate service to support your child.
More from MindMate if you’re worried about an eating disorder
More from MindMate on healthy eating
Accessible information about ADHD
This booklet from the British Dietetic Association explains the relationship between food and ADHD, and makes some suggestions for your child’s diet that may help with managing their ADHD.
Read about food and ADHD
Managing low weight
ADHD medication can cause weight loss. The Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust has some tips about how to encourage healthy weight gain if your child’s ADHD is causing them to fall below a healthy weight.
Read about managing weight lossAutism and diet
This information sheet from the British Dietetic Association about autism and diet contains advice about how to maintain a healthy diet for your autistic child.
Read about autism and dietAutistic children and eating
The British Dietetic Association website can help parents of autistic children understand why their child may struggle with eating and mealtimes.
Read about autistic children and eating
Autism and eating challenges
The National Autistic Society has produced this guide on understanding your autistic child’s difficulties with eating, and how to support them with maintaining a healthy diet.
Read about autism and challenges with eating
Information about ARFID
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) can be common amongst autistic people. The Beat website has lots of information about ARFID.
Go to Beat website
ARFID in Autism
ARFID Awareness UK has information about ARFID and other eating disorders, and their relationship with neurodiversity.
Go to ARFID Awareness UK website
Autistic children and Pica
Some autistic young people may engage in Pica, which is the eating of non-food items. This is often a sensory-seeking behaviour, or sometimes the child may not understand the difference between food and non-food items. This fact-sheet about Pica provides more information and some strategies to help manage Pica.
Read about Pica
Anorexia and autism
The Autistica website has some information on anorexia and autism.
Go to Autistic websiteEating disorders and ND
The Autistic Society provides information on eating disorders related to neurodiversity.
Read about eating disorders
Teaching healthy eating
InfiniTeach have provided a helpful visualisation and hands-on activity to develop childrens’ understanding of what makes up a healthy diet.
Go to Infiniteach website
Sammy's new food week
This book follows the story of Sammy, a child who is trying some new foods. It may be helpful as a visual guide for children and young people to consider the benefits of trying new food.
Go to book linkWas this helpful?
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