Picky eaters, special diets and autism

Food has been a difficult subject since both boys were young. Once we got the autism diagnosis we were directed to a gastroenterologist through online research that specialized in treating autistic patients. Our eldest was having diarrhea and we put two and two together. The gastroenterologist recommended a special diet, removing gluten and dairy. He also prescribed meds to help with the GI symptoms. Our youngest also didn’t have the healthiest of stools and we also had him treated with GI meds and a special diet.

During the treatment, we saw some improvement but nothing radical. We continued with the treatment for some time but eventually discontinued seeing the specialist. There was improvement eventually and we decided to discontinue meds along with the special diet. The diet was the hardest and since the kids were picky eaters, we had concerns of the kids getting enough calories and nutrients.

The diarrhea was under control in our eldest and we switched back to eating gluten and dairy. This was all taking place around age 2 1/2 to 4 years old. Plus we were going to birthday parties and it was sad to tell your child they couldn’t have birthday cake. I carried gluten free brownies with me to the birthday parties and they would have the brownie in place of cake.

In hindsight I feel the meds from the gastroenterologist helped with their GI symptoms and that led to them being able to eat a more varied diet. We since then have not had the kids follow any special diet but do try to stay away from fast foods like McDonalds. They have eaten fast food periodically though when a school or camp field trip led them to a fast food restaurant.

Besides special diets, the kids have also been very picky eaters since they were young. Now teenagers, they are starting to grow out of this by trying new foods at restaurants. I have a nephew that’s similar in age on the spectrum that’s also a picky eater and my sister suggests it comes with the autism.

Some of the quirks with food include: not wanting the pasta sauce on the noodles, only wanting box made Mac n cheese instead of homemade Mac n cheese, not liking any type of soup, only eating the meat in prepared Chinese food dishes (no veggies), only eating white bread for sandwiches, removing the hotdog from the hotdog bun unless it’s a Portillo’s restaurant hotdog bun, and not willing to try meatloaf but preferring plain meat such as a hamburger.

Preparing dinner meals can be a headache and I often times will just get the kids Subway sandwiches (with no veggies) or hotdogs and hamburgers or pizza. When I cook, I like to cook gluten free and my youngest now complains about meals being gluten free. He’s eaten the meals not knowing many times so I think he just likes to find something to complain about.

When we came across the Nemechek protocol book, Dr. Nemechek didn’t really promote special diets but rather follow the protocol to see desired results. I liked the idea of the kids taking California Olive Oil Council approved olive oil daily to protect the lining of the stomach from restaurant fried foods and that made sense to me. The kids drink a tablespoon of the olive oil mixed in a little lemonade daily. He has since promoted taking two tablespoons daily.

Feel free to comment on your own experiences with special diets and picky eaters. It’s a sensitive subject for many because of varied opinions. I recommend doing what works best for your family.