Why Do Autistic People Like Small Spoons? A Guide to Cutlery Preferences

Many people might not think twice about the size of spoon they use to eat their morning porridge or evening pudding. However, for autistic people, something as seemingly simple as utensil size can make a big difference in their daily life and comfort. This article looks at why do autistic people like small spoons and how these choices connect to the broader aspects of sensory differences in autism spectrum disorder.

Key Takeaways

• Sensory Preferences and Small Spoons: Discover how small spoons can reduce overwhelming sensory input and provide comfort during eating for people with autism.
• Practical Benefits of Smaller Utensils: Learn about the advantages of small spoons including improved motor control, smaller bites, and less noise when eating.
• Supporting Sensory Needs: Find out how offering choice in utensils can help support individuals with autism and promote independence during mealtimes.

How Sensory Differences Affect Utensil Preferences

Autistic people experience the world in unique ways. One of the core aspects of autism involves sensory differences – how an autistic person processes information coming through their senses.

Many autistic people have heightened sensory sensitivities, which means everyday experiences that might not bother others can be uncomfortable or even painful. This includes the feel of utensils in the mouth, the sound they make against teeth, and how they affect the experience of eating.

Research from the British Journal of Occupational Therapy suggests that over 90% of people on the autism spectrum experience some form of sensory challenges. A study from University College London found that these sensory differences can significantly impact daily activities like eating.

Why Small Spoons Matter for Autistic People

Small spoons often provide several benefits for autistic people that might not be obvious to neurotypical individuals. Here’s why they can be helpful:

Reduced Sensory Overload

Small spoons typically make less noise when they touch the mouth or teeth compared to larger spoons. For someone with sensory sensitivities, this reduction in noise can be crucial in preventing overwhelming sensory experiences during mealtimes.

According to the National Autistic Society and research from the NHS, many autistic people report that certain textures or sounds related to eating can trigger strong negative reactions. Small spoons can help reduce these triggers by creating less jarring sensory input.

Better Control and Comfort

Small spoons offer more precise control for those who might struggle with motor challenges. The lighter weight and smaller size make them easier to manoeuvre, which can be particularly important for those with motor skills difficulties.

A study from the National Autistic Society showed that adaptive utensils including smaller sized cutlery can promote independence and significantly improve the eating experience for autistic people. The Royal College of Occupational Therapists also highlights how proper utensil selection can help with daily skills.

Benefits of Small Spoons for Autistic Individuals

There are several practical reasons why small spoons might be preferred:

Improved Eating Experience

Small spoons naturally encourage smaller bites, which can help with:

• Managing food textures more easily
• Preventing sensory overload from too much food at once
• Helping with sensory issues related to food temperature
• Making mealtimes more manageable

Enhanced Independence and Confidence

When autistic individuals can use utensils that work well for their specific sensory needs, they often experience:

• Greater sense of control over their eating experience
• More positive social interactions around food
• Enhanced independence during meals
• Reduced anxiety about eating in various settings

The Autism Society highlights how appropriate tools for daily activities can play a crucial role in supporting well being and independence.

Types of Small Spoons and Other Adaptive Utensils

For those looking to create a more comfortable eating experience, there are various options beyond standard small spoons:

Common Options for Adaptive Eating

Type of Utensil	Benefits
Tea spoons	Lighter weight, easier to handle
Dessert spoons	Smaller bowl but still functional for many foods
Children’s cutlery	Often have softer edges and comfort grips
Weighted utensils	Can help with hand tremors and provide sensory feedback
Silicone-tipped spoons	Gentler on sensitive mouths and teeth

Many of these options are available from UK suppliers like Fledglings and the Autism Shop.

Research published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and the British Medical Journal (BMJ) suggests that having access to appropriate adaptive utensils can dramatically reduce mealtime challenges for many autistic people in the UK.

How to Support Sensory Preferences

Supporting individuals with autism means recognising that individual needs vary widely. Here are some approaches that can help:

For Parents and Caregivers

• Offer choices of different utensils and observe preferences
• Create spaces for eating that minimise other sensory challenges
• Notice which tactile sensations seem to cause discomfort
• Understand that preferences for small spoons and other familiar objects are meaningful adaptations, not simply quirks

For Professionals

According to experts at the National Autistic Society and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), personalised support approaches that acknowledge unique sensory preferences can significantly improve quality of life for autistic people.

• Recognise that sensory preferences are valid needs
• Include utensil options in sensory assessments
• Help develop tools that meet specific needs
• Build awareness of sensory differences among peers and family

The British Psychological Society also offers resources for professionals working with autistic children and adults.

Overall

Small spoons may seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of things, but they can contribute significantly to the comfort and well being of autistic people. By seeing the importance of sensory-friendly utensils, we can better support people across the autism spectrum in their daily lives.

These simple adaptations represent more than just a preference – they’re about making environments where autistic people can thrive and experience less sensory challenges. When we pay attention to details like utensil size, we create opportunities for more successful and less stressful social interactions around food.

As our awareness grows about the diverse ways autistic people experience the world, so too should our knowledge of how to provide appropriate accommodations – including something as seemingly simple as offering a selection of small spoons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are small spoons better for some autistic people?

Small spoons can reduce sensory overstimulation for autistic people because they make less noise against teeth, hold smaller amounts of food (preventing overwhelming sensory experiences), and are often lighter and easier to control for those with motor challenges.

Do all autistic people prefer small spoons?

No, preferences vary widely across the autism spectrum. While many autistic people do prefer small spoons, others may have different preferences based on their unique sensory needs and experiences. According to Autism UK, each autistic person has their own unique profile of strengths and differences.

What other utensils might help autistic people with sensory sensitivities?

Along with small spoons, other adaptive utensils like silicone-tipped cutlery, weighted utensils, and specially designed handles can all help address specific sensory challenges and motor skills difficulties. The Royal College of Occupational Therapists provides guidance on adaptive tools.

How can I tell if small utensils would help my autistic child?

Observe your child’s eating habits and sensory preferences. Signs that small spoons might help include: difficulty handling standard utensils, sensitivity to loud sounds when utensils touch plates or teeth, taking very small bites, or showing discomfort with standard cutlery.

Where can I find suitable small spoons and adaptive utensils?

Many UK shops and online retailers offer adaptive utensils. Resources include NRS Healthcare, Sensory Direct, and the National Autistic Society’s online shop. These offer sensory-friendly products that can make a big difference in daily activities.

Is preference for small spoons related to picky eating in autism?

While they can be connected, they’re not the same thing. Food selectivity in autism often relates to sensory sensitivities regarding food textures, tastes, and smells, while utensil preferences typically relate to tactile sensations, motor control issues, and sensory processing of sounds and feelings in the mouth. Research from King’s College London has explored these sensory processing differences.