Does Mikko like ice cream?? I'm not saying give her ice cream but by freezing Pediasure it becomes creamy like ice cream and my niece ate it up when my sister had trouble getting her to eat. She is also on the spectrum and had texture issues. It worked and she is a healthy young woman today. Mikko will come around to healthy food but until she does the Pediasure may be an answer to help her along. Good luck with this!! You guys are always in my thoughts and prayers. ❤❤❤❤

Is she taking vitamins? Maybe feed her what the other children are eating. Let her know it's breakfast time or lunchtime or dinner time. Everyone sit at the table together, and maybe if she sees all eating she might do ok. But she might just be tall and slim like her father. But she's at the age of picky eating. Which children do go through that stage. But I'm sure you Mommy will get it right. You do an amazing job with her. Stay blessed

Yup having autism and sensory processing disorder, food is a HUGE issue. I can understand how frustrating it is. Texture smell taste are a problem. My friend's son ONLY ate peanut butter sandwiches from the time he was 2 till 25 yrs old. Yes some foods should be avoided when autism is a diagnose. In a nutshell, some foods/food ingredients to avoid with autism are: Sugar.MSG.Artificial ingredients.Toxins.Dairy.Gluten.Corn. A child I use to work with could feel the food going down their throat. He didn't like the swallowing part. In terms of mikko, there are ways of incorporating other foods into her diet. In my 47 yrs in the field of speacial needs, ABA would help with it. My daughter has worked with kiddies with autism for 25yrs and she offers some suggestions: Strategies to expand the diet of picky eaters with autism: 1) Rule out medical problemsIf your child is clamping her lips shut when offered a certain food, it may be that she knows it will make her stomach hurt. Gastrointestinal distress is common among children with autism, many of whom can’t easily describe their distress. Your child’s doctor can help you figure out if this is the case and how to deal with it. 2) Stay calm. Many children need to taste a food more than a dozen times before they’re willing to eat it without a fuss. Children with autism-related sensitivities can take longer. Be patient as your child explores and samples new foods. If your child continues to reject a food even after a dozen-plus tries, perhaps he just doesn’t like it. Consider trying a different food. Above all, don’t let mealtime become a family battleground. Instead, get creative. 3) Take steps toward tasting. Many individuals with autism are afraid to try new things. Help your child explore a new food by looking at it, touching it and smelling it. When he’s ready for a taste, he can try giving the food “a kiss” or licking it before putting a whole bite into his mouth. Sometimes, mixing a new food with a favorite one can help. 4) Tune into textures. Autism often comes with hypersensitivity to textures. So remember that it may be how a food feels in the mouth, rather than its flavor, that produces a food aversion. The squishiness of a fresh tomato is a classic example. Try chopping or blending such foods to smooth out the offending texture. That tomato, for example, can be chopped into salsa or blended and cooked into pasta sauce. 5) Play with new food. That’s right. Playing with a new food is another way to build familiarity and decrease mealtime anxiety. Together, try painting with pasta sauce. Use veggies to make faces on pizza. Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into fun shapes. While you’re playing, let your child see you taste - and enjoy - the food. 6) Offer choices and control. Your loved one with autism may need to feel some control over what she puts into her mouth. It’s also okay to simply not like some foods. So try to offer a broad variety and allow choices within the categories you care about. For example, you might decide that your child needs to have one serving of vegetables and one of protein for dinner. So put 2--5 types of these foods on the table and allow your child to choose at least one vegetable and one protein. Along the same lines, if you’re making a favorite dish such as pasta, ask your child to add one mystery ingredient for other family members to discover during the meal. She gets to choose: corn, broccoli or chicken? 7) Be careful with rewards. In the long-run, it’s important to reward and reinforce your child’s flexibility with food and willingness to try to new foods. BUT blatant bribes can backfire. Your child may eat the food, but won’t learn to enjoy it or understand why it’s important to eat a well-rounded diet - and that’s the goal. Let dessert and treats be part of meals and snacks, but don’t use them as carrots to get your child to eat … carrots. Hope this helps 🤗😁

My children went through this. She will grow out of this. Let her eat what she will, just not junk

I'm autistic with Sensory Processing Disorder. Food has always been an issue, but I have always managed to avoid being severe enough to be ARFID. My 93 year old grandfather is autistic and has ARFID. Growing up, my mom managed to balance trying new food while not forcing us to eat foods with textures that bother me or my brother. I eat a wide variety of foods, but with strong textural preferences. I know that Mikko being non-verbal makes communicating those kinds of issues more difficult than for most autistic kids. Don't give up, you'll figure this out.

My daughter hasn’t been gaining weight either because all my daughter eats is white rice and fries it’s a struggle thank you for you’re video we will be trying this at home

I UNDERSTAND what you’re going through, I’m a grandmother and caregiver of twin boys on the spectrum and yes food is always a big issue. Thank you for your video.

I didn't watch the entire video, but my first thought was to make popsicles after blending fruits, which I saw she had no problem with fruits... Maybe blend or juice vegetables with the fruits and make smoothies, popsicles, pops, ice cubes, "ice cream" dishes, etc. Bake goods like cookies bars cakes etc using oatmeal peanut butter applesauce greek yogurt for grains and protein. Air fry or bake non dairy "cheese" to make "cheezits" and crispy pepperoni or other meats. Make "healthy" potato chips in the air fryer. Charcuterie type foods, boiled eggs slices possibly

Continued prayers of strength and patience to you and hubby as you work through this. 🙏🏾

Mikko's love for fruits and veggies is great. Try juicing oranges and carrots. Finely chopped vegetables (greens/spinach) in baked foods is great, too.

I will be praying for mikko and may the Lord bless her to get all she need to do what she need to do.

You're such a good mom!

This is normal 4 her age. She'll eat when she gets hungry enough. Don't stress about it!!

I did not realize Mikko is so young! I thought she was at least five. I'm a mom of two boys. You are doing an amazing job. Thank you for giving us information to help us be better parents and for sharing your experience. 🙏

Children with autism are likely to enjoy food in the “beige group”, for instance chicken nuggets, applesause, macaroni and cheese, bananas.She doesn’t NEED variety. She needs fuel to give her energy. Look at children who are on feeding tubes for long periods of time. Give her what she likes and stop worrying Mom. You are the most loving, kind, nurturing parent she could ever ask for.

MOM, YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL, I WATCH YOUR VIDEOS INTERMITTENTLY, MORE AND MORE I FIND THIS TOUCHES MY HEART!!! MIKKO IS YOUR GIFT!!! ALSO, SHE HAS GORGEOUS HAIR, PLEASE, PLEASE NEVER CUT IT, JUST TRIM IT TO KEEP IT HEALTHY!!! GRACE AND PEACE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!! 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿💝💝💝🕊🕊🕊🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

You are a good mama❤ Don't stress yourself out or stress Mikko about food. All kids go through this. My son is not autistic but when he was around 7 he refused to eat veggies, bacon, fruit, and eggs. He literally eats hamburgers, chicken, fries, salad, and sometimes green beans. I asked his doctor about it and he said he's fine as long as he eats something. He's 13 now and fine. He still eats the same. Autistic children immediately know what they like and what they don't. The more you try to force them to eat something the more they will rebel. A warm lavender bath and warm milk (almond) before bed does the trick. Maybe warm soup or bone broth before bed if there is no dairy.

Definitely Arfid. My daughter, who is almost 3, only eats select baby foods, pretzels, and sometimes a cereal. It's a struggle for sure but hang in there.

My granddaughter who's 3 only eats home made hash browns and beans or chicken noodles! But as a baby she would eat everything that was put in front of her. I really wouldn't worry about it.

Just talking, I didn’t take in meat or dairy as a child. My kids didn’t really want foods, I found out they have allergies. So as little one’s both picked up pizza and chicken nuggets, fries, cereal. The doctor said let them eat what they will they will not starve themselves.

My daughter was the same way, she’s 13yrs old I would give her what she wanted (don’t force or observe) she will grow out of it. Give her colorful fruit, water and a chewable gummy vitamin but never force her to what you would and have her eat with her siblings.

I know how difficult that is. I was like this for many years as a child, starting in the 80s, going all the way into the mid-1990s. I'm still very picky about my food at age 41 but willing to compromise if there is an alternate, healthier option for whatever food that I am substituting.

Great information, thank you for sharing your stories.

Going through this too. Thank you for this video!

Thank you, Precious. I like that you preface your video with a recommendation to consult with the pediatrician before just implementing the changes.

I hope you know what an amazing Mom you are. I hope you are taking time for yourself to breathe and recharge. Raising kids is a tough job and even more so with kids with Autism. I can see your devotion to helping your kids be the best little beings they can be. But I see you too, and I hope you get time to rest and have time for you. Your journey is important too!

You are truly an amazing Mom ❤ Mikko is striving with everything, so her eating is next ❤ I can not sleep without having a snack..it is comfort ❤ Prays to Mikko 🙏

All children go through this! Please don't feel discouraged!! Think out of the box. 😎 I promise it will get better 😉 Good luck sweetheart 💓

Try to get her to feed herself and do as much for herself as she can. Set a good example by sitting at a family table and enjoy food TOGETHER.LET HER SEE YOU ENJOY FOOD.

Give her a good ole fried chicken leg, or baked chicken and brown rice, macaroni and cheese, corn dog or burrito, steak or oxtails, collard greens and black-eyed peas. i don't care what the child is like. I never saw them refuse that kind of food. Put some seasoning on her food. My daughter wouldn't drink water. Her pediatrician said give her what she would drink. Certain foods she wouldn't eat but when she looked at me eat it and said how good it tasted she would eat it too. Now she tells me what she wants and will eat what I give her. I tell her I love her every day, and hug and give her sugar and play games and watch movies with her. I let her pick the movies and the snacks. When they know you love them they will listen to you.

Yes yes yes, I studied holistic nutrition and was fascinated with it's relation to child development. I noticed a Major change when parents took: Lactose, Gluten and Dyes & Sugar from their kids diet. They saw improvements and life slowly got easier. It takes time to find replacements and for the kid to get use to it. That is why I always suggest to start with 1 "group" at the time. Also to wait for at least 6 to 8 weeks to see results, before giving up. Keep advocating for Mikko, she is doing great

My son is going on 16 and was identical to your little one when he was younger. He now gives most foods a try. My daughter had to be put on a gastrostomy tube because she stopped eating altogether. My son was chunky, then has gotten so skinny it was scary. He gained weight... then puberty hit at 12 and was skinny once again. Now he is naturally muscular. The last time my daughter put food in her mouth was at the age of 2. She is now 8 and just ate her first tiny piece of chocolate yesterday. It may seem like our kids won't change for the better, but you'll be surprised.

You know something I have been a picky eater, that doesn’t like textures and smells… I will eat my family’s food all day but each restaurant I eat at, has 1 thing I eat religiously… The same foods and way I eat the foods hasn’t changed since childhood.. I have IBS from the Navy and now it’s gotten worse because there are safe foods and places that only have one thing I can eat without getting sick. I also have issues swallowing and people have to hit me on my back so I can swallow… I have bad migraines that make sounds, smells and temperatures annoying. I was told I heard under the normal register, when joining the navy. They said you could be on a submarine in the sonar field, but women weren’t on subs then… I attribute this stuff to my migraines and congenital stuff I was born with… I love your patience and diligence with your kids hun! God bless!

To all the people saying ignore it, she’s fine, all children go thru it, she will eat when she’s ready……nope. It isn’t normal. Stop making excuses for your children! Maybe take Mikko to Walmart and let her pick out her own unbreakable plates, bowls, and drinking cup. Does she like salad, even just plain salad. Maybe let her break it into bite size pieces and put it in her bowl. Show her some healthy additions she can put on the salad. Put the dressing in a small bowl, and let her dip the salad into the dressing. I have a couple more ideas but I can only look at my iPad in little spurts. Neck surgery next month.

We're going through that right now. Her doctor put my granddaughter on boost drinks. And I got her on vitamin. And I let her tell me what and when she's ready to eat. So if she wants to eat McDonald's everyday i go. Whatever she wants to eat as long as she is eating. Good luck my granddaughter is unweighted.

For gluten free homemade bread. I use 1 soft avocado 1egg, 1 cup cheese hand shredded is best mashed together. Form in a flat disc on parchment paper and seasoning of your choice on the bread. 400 degrees 20 minutes or air fry same temp same time. Many variations of this bread is online under Avocado egg cheese keto bread. I started very simple with mozzarella ( for you a non dairy version) and salt only. I personally love everything bagels seasoning on mine.

My daughter is similar, she does have a dairy allergy so that does help us with the dairy intake, but she loves bread! I find that adding a sauce to a meal helps her want to eat it more. We do a lot of cashew butter with coconut milk based sauces. She surprisingly loves curry and lemon grass flavored dishes. She's 2 and recently diagnosed with ASD as well. We so appreciate all of your insight and sharing your experiences to help inform others 🙏🏻❤️

My daughter is autistic, 9 years old, we had the same issues, she still has some texture issues, she would only have chocolate milk, water & p&j sandwich. I was introduced to bone broth by her OT, that worked wonders. She eats anything i cook now as long as the there's nothing too hard to chew.

I’m going through this exact same thing with my 4yr old nonverbal autistic son 🥹 I always be thinking I know he starving & his sleeping issues have been so rough! Currently trying to get his diet & sleeping right also with his doctor. I wish ya’ll the best of luck 🤞🏾♥️

My daughter went thru this phase. To keep her nutrition up her GI doctor ordered 4 cans of pediasure a day because her protein levels were low. The insurance paid for it. It helped supplement while my daughter figured out a way. It worked. Do a probiotic and prebiotic for gut health before removing. One Girl Autism Mom to another it gets better. My daughter just started trying new foods this year and she’s 12. Give her grace. Trying to process too many things at one time can cause shut down, sensory overload. ♥️🧩❤ Mikko’s got this!!! 🤗

I watch your videos all the time and I never comment I have likes all of the ones I have seen and am proud of your parenting like you are my daughter. I have twin girls and they didn’t have very many safe foods either. I just gave them a lot of what they loved and snuck some extra nutrients into their smoothies. They didn’t grow very fast either but they were healthy. They are 13 now and it amazes me when I see them try new things and realize they like them. They still don’t eat many things but giving them a good amount of the foods they like was good for them. I often cried at night when the girls wouldn’t eat much thinking I was failing them too. You are not failing your daughter. You are one of the most amazing mothers I have ever had the privilege of watching raise and interact with her children. Keep up the good work and keep your head up keep doing what you have been doing which is doing what your heart tells you is right for your child and you and she will be just fine. Sorry for the book. Please know I’m sending love, light, and hugs.

You Inspire Me So Much! My Son Is The Same Way!! He Love His Snacks But He Will Eat Chicken Nugget’s And Fries He Just Started Eating Mac N Cheese But It Has To Have Sugar In It. He Likes Bread Peanut Butter And Noodles But None Of That Is Good For Him!

Have you thought about doing a live and asking these questions or just have conversation? I'm not a mother but I'm a library teacher and your videos have been very helpful to watch and be more mindful when working with Austin kids in the school because the SPED teachers hardly tell you anything until there is an incident. ❤

You are doing an excellent job. The protein smoothie is a great idea, perhaps she can have 2 smoothies through out the day for the extra calories. Instead of regular milk you can substitute it for almond milk, rice bran milk etc. Try incorporating smaller meals and extra healthy snacks throughout the day.

ABA Therapists Can Help With Autism Food Aversions. Mealtimes are awash in rich sensory experiences, with an array of smells, temperatures, textures, sounds, tastes and interactions. Most people enjoy mealtimes and sharing these experiences with loved ones. But ABA therapists recognize that for children on the autism spectrum, mealtimes can present significant sensory challenges, leading to stress, sensory overload and meltdowns. Difficulties with communication can pose additional challenges for everyone. Of course, it’s not uncommon for any child to be picky at times, but kids on the autism spectrum may be highly sensitive not just to something’s flavor, but its texture, shape, smell and color. They may have a strong preference for a very small selection of foods, and might even have an overwhelming need to eat those same foods on the same plate or in the same place at each meal. We all have our food preferences, of course, but these can become highly exaggerated for someone on the autism spectrum (and approximately 90 percent of children with autism have feeding problems of some kind or another). It’s exacerbated by the communication difficulties many people with autism experience, so they have trouble saying what it is they like/don’t like about certain foods, which can lead to major meltdowns. And although most parents understand their kids aren’t trying to be difficult, it can be no less frustrating, especially when all you’re trying to do is make sure your child is getting a nutritional, well-balanced diet. Still, ABA therapists would encourage parents to refrain from forcing your child to eat something they hate or upend their eating patterns. The problem is this doesn’t each them to eat and enjoy meals, but rather creates added stress to a situation that is already stressful. ABA Therapists Avoid Making Food a Source of Constant Conflict. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has a strong track record of success in encouraging appropriate behaviors and extinguishing inappropriate behaviors of children on the autism spectrum and other disorders. It’s not frequently used to address feeding issues with these same kids. Selective refusal of foods/fluids can be rooted in biological issues (and we can’t ignore issues like allergies, reflux, oral motor difficulties and constipation/diarrhea), but it’s ultimately a behavior. Addressing behavior is what they do. They will observe the child and then draw up a behavior intervention plan following the basic “ABC technique” (studying the antecedent, behavior and consequence). With specific regard to eating and feeding interventions. Here are some techniques they incorporate ( as well You as Mikko's mom, Could try some of these) *Positive reinforcement. We might use food, toys, praise (whatever is motivating) every time a child engages in a desired eating behavior. That behavior could be something as small as tolerating it on their plate. *Escape extinction. Don’t allow avoiding/escape from appropriate eating behaviors. Target extinction of behaviors like throwing food on the floor, throwing plates or silverware, running out of the room, etc. *Differential positive reinforcement. He only wants white food? He can have a small bite of his bread if he accepts or swallows small bites of an apple. In this case, the preferred food is the positive reinforcer (often along with social praise). *Non-contingent positive reinforcement. This would involve giving a child a preferred stimulus (access to a favorite show or small toy) continuously through a meal with non-preferred foods. *Simultaneous presentation. Non-preferred food is presented at the same time as preferred food. They may even be blended together.Stimulus fading. This is when they gradually switch up the concentration or ratio of preferred/non-preferred food or drinks. So for instance we may start with a ratio of 90 percent of desired food and 10 percent of undesired food and then gradually decrease the amount of desired food and increase the amount of undesired food. *S.O.S. Feeding approach. The SOS Feeding Therapy approach that involves introducing kids to undesired foods slowly, first getting them to tolerate having it on their plate, then playing with it, smelling it, licking it, etc. They’ll work their way up to taking actual bites. You might also create visual schedules with meal planners so kids have an opportunity to prepare themselves for the transition into and out of mealtimes, as well as for the actual substance of the meal. Ultimately, we all want kids to have a positive relationship with healthy foods and develop good eating habits. Getting to this end result will take time, but ABA therapists are dedicated to the child’s success. Good luck, and I hope this helps 😍🤗😊

That was us for the first 7 years and now he wants to try everything. He eats a lot! he's still really skinny but so was I until my late 30s.my lil guy stopped diary and gluten at 2 and it helped his stomach and brain so much

I just started the video and wanted to share! I’m autistic and have Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder which is a super common comorbidity with autism because of how common sensory issues and Sensory Processing Disorder is with Autism! (Update: you did mention this in the video but imma keep it in). I wasn’t diagnosed when I was a kid but got diagnosed with ARFID when I was in college. I was really lucky that even though my parents didn’t really raise me and my siblings in a neurodivergent supportive way, my mom was really accommodating cuz she was the picky kid in her family. Like her mom would make a whole separate dinner meal for her regularly. What I tell myself when I’m struggling with increased food aversions and restrictions (which get worse with stress) is “FED IS BEST”. A nutritionist once told me that it’s encouraged for me to prioritize getting enough calories and not worrying about things like eating “healthy foods” because it’s most important to have some gas in the tank instead of failing and getting triggered by the fact that I cannot force in Premium Fuel. This is just general encouragement for anyone reading is that it’s okay to feed your kid or yourself the foods your currently willing and can eat and to supplement with vitamins (i like gummies) and nutrient shakes (I personally hate them but other people can tolerate them especially with a straw!

You can most likely give her some ensure where she’s getting all the nutrients inside her body which it’s just a suggestion but good luck and god bless bcuz I believe someday her appetite will change as she progresses in age just believe and have faith and leave it in the hands of god to guide you in the right direction ok

I love you Mikko!!!❤️😍😘🥰❤️❤️

I'm here for it family

Our kiddo has a very limited Manu as well..we have always tried to find foods with higher proteins. She lives on strawberries, and she does not touch vegetables at all. She will eat chicken nuggets that have a small amount of vegetables included in them. She drinks Carnation Instant Breakfast High Protein every morning at wake up. She will eat GoMacro Bar for kids Double Chocolate Brownie but turned other bars away. A lot of times, it has to be her idea to pick up a food to try it. We can't try and hand her something as she will just wave it off. She does put on weight but we just cannot get her to try new foods.

I am in a full struggle with mine. She love watching cook video and love to watch us cook. My baby has stayed the same size for the past 5 years. So we use to keep her on oatmeal. When we learned that it take your nutrition away we stop giving it to her. She doesn't like anything but fries,noddles,and cream of wheat. Now our son is a the full Opposite. I am hoping to get some kind of help with my baby in this video. I make mine daughter Smoothies put the veggies in her drink She drink it

All children go through this only eating certain foods. My children only wanted macaroni and cheese. The doctor said they were fine. My coworkers son only wants chicken nuggets. Its normal.

I was like this, I still am, with only 3 new foods I like. I was taken to a hospital and the doctor said as long as I drank water I’d be fine. 5 years later I get diagnosed with autism. 😭

I thank God for your life, Mikko's and the rest of the family. You are doing a great job and I am glad to know that she loves vegetables. I believe that she is going to be alright because I have seen 2 children growing out of it. They are verbal now. May the Lord heal Mikko and make her alright in Jesus' name. Amen. ❤❤❤

I don’t know her allergies and your thoughts about some foods but maybe have her drink a Pediasure or something similar you are okay with her drinking along with breakfast. Change the presentation of how the foods look. Leave her non preferred Foods out during playtime. So she knows it’s open to her and it’s not being pushed during “mealtime”. It may become messy, she may play with the food first before just putting it in her mouth. Give her some of her preferred foods throughout the day as well. You guys got this. ❤

Have you tried smoothy bowls? You can slip in some avocado, carrots, etc. maybe sprinkle some granola with sliced bananas, strawberries on top.

Try allowing her see and share a meal/snack with her sister/brother eat telling her it's really good yum yum. Mom stand back and watch the siblings interact with her alone, pretend you aren't paying attention. I've learned kids do better with other kids sometimes better than adults. When she tries something new cheer her on...

When you give a child food put it on the plate and don’t look at them. They can see your worry. Trust me I have a daycare and this works

dairy i have problems with..there are now many dairy free items ..ie mac and cheese, cheese sour cream ice cream etc

My eight year old son is non verbal on the spectrum and he has a very limited diet. When he was a baby to about 3 he would eat anything. Now it's mostly chicken nuggets and FRIES, always fries. It's VERY frustrating and hard to try and get our babies to eat or drink something better nutritionally. I'm so glad I came across your channel because I see my life mirrored in yours and it makes me feel less alone.

I know for my daughter who is 42, due to her pain and nausea that she experiences because of her fibromyalgia and arthritis, she can't always eat so she makes herself a smoothie with 1 bottle of vanilla meal replacement like ensure or boost, 1 cup frozen berries and some lactose free yogurt. ( because she is lactose intolerant) The meal replacement shakes come in chocolate and strawberry too but she Only likes the vanilla. Maybe with mikko since she likes fruit, you can make her one with the strawberry flavor, some fruit and lactose free yogurt to add some nutritional value to her day. Good luck. I hope this helps

My friends son is level 3 on the spectrum which comes with a whole set of symptoms. He has food aversions and sensory issues. She literally gives him exactly what he want most of the time and his organs are suffering terribly now at 17. He still only eats certain things and she feels like she has to feed him. Now she is worried about his long term health issues from his terrible diet. I know this has got to be such a stressor. Sending prayers and positivity ❤

I had gastric bypass about 20 years ago and I started in the last 2 years being low on some vitamins and my doctor told me to get vitamins that are made for people that had weight loss surgery. So I ordered vitamins from Bariatric Advantage because the chewable from there absorb better than over the counter.

I'm going through the same thing with my autistic daughter. She's driving me crazy with I guess selective eating. I will be consulting her pediatrician and a nutritionist for help. I will try having something she wants to eat and something that I want her to eat on her plate.

Food is a difficult thing! My daughter with autism went through a stage of eating on melted cheese sandwiches. It lasted two years. We would just put other foods in front of her with 1/4 cheese sandwiches, and not give any attention to any of it. Zero. What she ate she ate what she did she didn’t. As long as she didn’t lose weight our doctor was not concerned but I didn’t agree. We have 11 other kids (bio, steps and adopted). 7 with significant disabilities. We did feeding therapy with some. OT and sensory integration with all. All came through it without issue. I did have one child with growth hormone deficiency but he did not gain any height for two years. He loved fruits/veggies but refused proteins.

If your child is already having restricted food eating. I would not be limiting her safe foods. Maybe try limiting diary and gluten later when she is eating more. There is no evidence that it may help and at this point its anecdotal. You need to keep her calories up and see an occupational therapist that specializes in food restrictions.

Im not sure if this would apply to Mikko's situation since it seems like its been a long time issue, but changes in season/weather may also be a factor. I have difficulty eating during some seasonal changes, and specifically in hotter months I gravitate more towards fruits/veggies. Took me years to recognize it. Also if you aren't aware (I just discovered it while searching for an OT provider for my kid) there is food therapy where they might be able to work with her specific feeding issues.

My son is a picky eater , try cream of wheat my son loves it and it’s thick and but smooth and might help with a weight or try pedicure grow and gain they have a powder or they come in the bottles

Frozen Fruit Smoothies with spinach and plant based yogurt.

I just got my 4 year old autistic son on vitamins because he is not eating enough. He barley eats anything. What he will eat is potatoes in any form , rice, and soups. Some days he won’t want that either and if the only thing he will eat is a bag of chips I will give it to him because at least he has something in his stomach. He use to eat all kinds of foods until this year.

Ur a good person and a great mom u will figure it out but all children go through the same thing it’s a process that is going to take time c what vitamins she can take ❤

My toddler daughter doesn't have autism but she was taken medicine that cut her appetite down to only eating rice, boiled eggs, tuna fish, slim jims, crackers, grapes, bananas, strawberries, carrots and sometimes she'll eat a piece of chicken. She's also allergic to ALL types of milk except for lactose fat-free milk (the purple label only). Bc of the medicine her hair wouldn't grow and she stayed between 22 and 28 pounds. She turned 3 in March. So hubby and I decided to stop her medicine hoping it would help her to eat more. She is now weighing 30 pounds and starting school. Her teacher says she eats different types of vegetables and fruits but doesn't for us. She also doesnt talk to the teachers at all. I try to bend a lot of different veggies and fruits together to make smoothies for her. Sometimes I can get her to drink it. We have to get the whole family involved for her to eat or drink things. She listens to her sister and her dad more when it comes to eating so I back away and let them handle it. Does Mikko let her dad feed her? I wish y'all the best of luck.❤❤

All kids go through that (except my child who LOVED veggies because they were her first foods starting at 6 months). You can hide veggies in casseroles, smoothies, and baked foods.

I thought it was not good to remove dairy from children’s diet. In fact I was taught it was unhealthy to remove a food group entirely out of the diet. Reduce and balance yes, but skew abnormally, not so much.

Hi Precious, you work so woth your daughter? What you might want to try with her, is maybe getting some cute little cookie cutters and that might interested her. And also teach her different shapes and other things as well.

My daughter had undiagnosed GI issues that progressed to malnourishment. She is now on a feeding tube & doing well. Initially we were told that it was due to normal picky toddler eating behavior. GI issues are more common in children with autism. If we'd gotten an accurate diagnosis sooner, we might have avoided the feeding tube. Some doctors assume behavioral issues or sensory issues without ruling out physical causes first.

I did that with my son at 3, his speech improved immensely.

My autistic grandchild has/had the same dietary challenges and a very limited food selection. She's 10 years old now but this has been a struggle her entire life starting with baby formula. Today, as unhealthy as it is chicken nuggets and fries and cereals are her foods of choice but she recently added pancakes and unsalted crackers. She's tall and skinny and takes a multi-vitamin everyday to compensate for the nutrition she's lacking in her diet. It's unknown if she will ever eat other foods but we try everyday to get her to try new things.

I hide veges in my smoothies. I'm tried sourdough bread. He wasn't having that. But I made some oatmeal waffles the other day and he loved it.

My son isnt eating solids he's only drinking milk with yogurt & pedicure. We have started feeding therapy so i would like to suggest that as well. I definitely understand & appreciate this video.

It sounds like you are doing everything right. If she likes fruits and veggies that's half the battle ...

My son is autistic and vegetables are a fight. He is 4 and we still supplement with veggie pouches from the baby section. My next progression is going to be juicing because if I can make it taste good without chunks, he will do well with it. It could be a viable option if you think Mikko would do better with drinking her vegetables instead of eating them.

My 3.5 year old daughter has autism and serious food aversions. She doesnt have gastro issues, or the gagging/coughing issues you discussed, but she is extreamly sensitive to textures and only willing to try foods with a certain appearance she deems acceptable. One of the ways we got her to gain a little bit of weight was with Orgain brand children's supplement drinks. They have a dairy version or a plant protein version. For the plant based version, the vanilla is loads better than the other flavors. Nestle also has a similar childrens "ensure" style drink, but Im not a huge fan of supporting their corporation and it is slightly higher in sugar than the Orgain brand, but not terribly so. Also, because she likes foods tbat look like sandwiches, we dont just offer the food alone on a plate. We will "stack it", like a small sliced chicken breast on top of a fried egg. Because she does t have issues with gluten, we will also couch whatever we are eating in between a slice of wheat bread which she finds more acceptable than seeing the food presented on a fork. Its a game of trial and error, figuring out what she will try, and offering the items a few weeks in a row. What she resisted for the first 5-6 times, sometimes she will actually try and like on the 7th or 8th. Hang in there and keep us updated! Your tips give me new ideas to try :)

I had tried hemp seeds in some of my sons food or like ice scream and it helped a lot with my son brain. He started to talk more.

I had A Stroke in April 2022 Heart surgery in August 2022 and CoviD in December 2022 There are Foods that I can eat now and that I can't now I'm getting use to eating more food without getting sick

I know you give her Ensure. Can you try smoothies? Load it up with veggies and non dairy products. I also mentioned previously, pasta comes made with lentils and beans. More protein and nutrition. Good luck

My nephew was like this he said food taste like dirt, he was like that from like 3 up to his teenage years, he loved McDonald's tho as he got older but it was only chicken nuggets

Yeah kids go through ebb and flows with food. But some kids with disorders struggle with food. My nephew is autistic. He goes through periods of certain foods he likes and only eat that. Luckily sugar us not a big thing with him. If he does like some sugary items he eats like two bites. It's tough for parents especially when children have food issues.

Have you tried doing juicing or incorporating more veggies in smoothies,? I know no dairy but how about a plant based milk for the smoothies??

I believe that a lot of parents, whether their children are autistic or not have had some sort of conversation with their doctor about their children, not eating enough or just being picky. We have to keep in mind that with our autistic children sensation and the way it feels when it goes down or, the way it looks may be part of why they’re not eating what you put in front of them. Also, these children are very sensitive, and you must check the labels and all of your foods and if it says bio engineered ingredient, DO NOT do not give her things that contain bio engineered ingredients and limit her sugar intake. Definitely no high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. There are many videos on KZfaq about sugar and autism that you might want to check out. Anything that is made with sugar or wheat should be avoided or kept down in small increments once or twice a week. One thing I know she would like is if you bake a small sweet potato one that was fit in the palm of your hand in the oven at 350° for about an hour and 30 minutes. Just wash the skin really well there’s no need for any oil or anything. You don’t have to wrap it up. When it’s done, the skin will come away from the flash and it’ll open up just like a paper bag when you pull at it. Take the sweet potato and place it into food processor. Add a little milk and blended until it turns to like a sweet potato pudding. This is something soft and creamy and it goes down easy and it’s got lots of vitamins, a little bit of sugar, and she will be quite satisfied. White Mashed potatoes are OK every now and then but sweet potatoes are better for her, nutritionally. Things that she has to do a lot of chewing. She probably won’t want to eat so I would say make very thin, soft hamburgers for her sweet potatoes and peas very easy and soft to chew, and it doesn’t hurt going down, the burgers must be smashed very thin because a fat burger will be hard and kind of tough and won’t go down very easy. Take a spatula and then place a cup on top of the spatula and press the burger down as flat as flat as you can get it. This is a very good video and I’m glad you brought up this topic thank you and I continue to pray for you and your family and your continued success together!

Blessings to you sister,but I would put do fruits and vegetables with water and blend into a smoothie, then give it to her like a milk shake. You're in my prayers.🙏🏽❤🌄

My 4 year old daughter has Atisum. She only likes to eat the fruit pouches, and the veggie ones. I have to give her Peidure as well. So I have problems with her eating too. With giving her these my child is not under weight. She is actually big for her weight and size. She is almost 50lbs😊So it definitely works. And you can give her gluten free Pedisure and foods and organic foods 😊

My son ate the same food over and over again for his first 3 years

But there are some good options. Vegan mayo best foods, yellow corn tortillas, gluten free chicken nuggets, Asian bread that is gluten free, dairy free and soy free and so much more. I would shop at Walmart, Fry’s and sprouts. Also, search up stuff online and find stuff. It’s a hard journey but I’m getting through it slowly

I love the thumbnail of my gosh ❤

Mikko reminds me of Colourblock Blue FR Both nervous to try to foods 😂 (Btw the episode of called “A plate of many colours” if you want proof

My grandson has a severe eating aversion. But fighting is a battle you can't win. Find what they will eat. Feed that to her. Add plenty of vitamins. Keep an eye on her hair and teeth. Ours won't eat more than 6 or 7 foods

Yep, it is very hard for me especially bc I’m allergic to everything as well and being picky. I have a few dairy free, soy free, nut free, gluten free. It’s like a vegan diet, but eating meat. Do u have any suggestions?

My Granddaughter is the same age and she doesn't eat anything now she use to eat yogurt and smoothies but when she was introduce to Pedisure she won't eat anything only drink Pedisure