My Top Tips for Feeding Neurodivergent kids

Feeding a neurodivergent child can come with challenges you might not have expected. While many children deal with things like picky eating, these issues can be even harder for neurodivergent kids. They don’t always need a completely different approach, but it helps to understand why they face these challenges and what you can do to help.

As a paediatric dietitian, I’ve spent years helping kids who find eating difficult. Here are some of the common challenges for neurodivergent children and what you can do:

1. Limited Food Variety  

Many neurodivergent kids, especially those with autism, tend to stick to a small group of "safe" foods. They might prefer foods with the same texture (like only crunchy foods), the same flavour, or even the same colour. They choose these foods because they feel familiar and comforting, helping to reduce anxiety around eating. Unfortunately, this can lead to missing important nutrients, like fibre or iron.

2. Preferring Certain Brands or Types  

Some kids might stick to specific brands or prefer predominantly packaged foods because they know what to expect every time. For example, a packet of crisps is always the same, while an apple can taste different each time. Packaged foods feel safer, which helps reduce anxiety around eating.

3. White or Beige Diet  

Some children’s diets may become mostly white or beige. This happens because many of the processed foods they prefer (see points 1 and 2 above) are light in colour (think crackers, savoury snacks, muesli bars, pasta, rice, nuggets and cheese). Over time, this can lead to a lack of important nutrients.

4. Low Appetite  

Some medications for ADHD can reduce a child's appetite. These children might also struggle to recognise when they’re hungry. If your child has trouble with this, having set meal and snack times can help them eat regularly.

5. Eating Too Much  

On the other hand, some medications might make kids feel extra hungry, leading them to eat more than they need. This, combined with difficulty knowing when to stop eating (often due to a dulled sense of interoception (ability to read the signals your body sends you) and executive functioning challenges), can be a hurdle for many kids.

What Can You Do?  

It’s important to remember that your child is doing their best with eating. Instead of trying to “fix” their eating habits, focus on creating an environment that supports them. What’s most important is making sure they get enough nutrients to grow and develop. While you may worry about things like eating vegetables, those long-term goals can come later. Right now, it’s about meeting their basic nutrition needs.

Working with a paediatric dietitian or feeding therapist can help. They can suggest ways to add nutrients to your child’s diet while respecting their food preferences. Sticking to a set schedule for meals and snacks is also very helpful, especially for kids who struggle with organising their eating.

You might be tempted to give your child a multivitamin to fill in any gaps, but many multivitamins don’t contain the key nutrients neurodivergent kids often lack, like iron or fibre. It’s best to consult with a paediatric dietitian before starting any supplements.

Finally, if you’re considering feeding therapy, look for someone who uses a responsive approach. This means working with your child in a way that respects their choices and avoids causing them more stress around food.

How Can You Use This Information to Pack a Lunchbox for Your Neurodivergent Child?

Many parents have told me they feel judged by the contents of their child’s lunchbox, which is disappointing. Your child is doing their best, and it can help to communicate with teachers and staff about your child’s specific feeding challenges. Some practical tips I recommend include:

Use Lunchbox Stickers

I love @drkyla’s lunchbox stickers. These stickers are designed to promote your child’s independence in choosing what and how much to eat from their lunchbox. They’re a friendly way to let others know, "Thanks for your interest in my child’s lunchbox, but they’ve got this."

Practice Meal Times

Some kids may find it hard to figure out what to eat at brain break, recess, or lunch, or might eat everything at once. I suggest practicing at home, so they know the schedule in advance. You could pack each meal in a separate lunchbox (our Big & Little Lunchbox bundle is perfect for this). Some parents find it helpful to label each box as “Recess” or “Lunch,” or number them (1, 2, 3).

Stick to Familiar Foods

School can be overwhelming for neurodivergent kids, with lots of sights, sounds, and smells. Don’t add to the challenge by introducing new foods in their lunchbox. Stick to the foods they know and feel comfortable with.

Boost Nutrients with Small Switches:

If you’re worried about nutrition, there are simple swaps a dietitian can help you make that your child is likely to accept. For example, if your child prefers white, crunchy foods, a dietitian might suggest trying something like freeze-dried apples. If they love flavoured crackers but need more fibre, Messy Monkey wholegrain bites could be a great option. A paediatric dietitian who specialises in feeding challenges can help find foods that fit your child’s preferences while adding important nutrients.