It isn't uncommon for individuals on the spectrum to be picky eaters. I'm sure if you are around someone with autism a lot you've noticed this. There isn't any scientific reason for this that I know of; however, there are some theories. The first one is being routine oriented. Individuals with autism don't like change, so they tend to stick to the foods they ate when they were younger. Some people grow out of this and some don't. I personally haven't.
Being picky could also be more of a sensory issue. Some people may not like the texture of certain foods. For example, I don't like my food very crispy or having a lot of flavor. I like very plain foods. I don't like my food touching because I don't want to taste two different flavors mixed together.
For those of you dealing with picky eaters, I suggest giving them healthier foods from childhood, so they can adapt to the taste or texture. When I was younger my mom would peel off the skin of meats and fruits for me. This may also be helpful when working with someone with autism. I would recommend starting to add new foods in small portions at a young age. This may help an individual with autism in the long run.
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