Why Is My Autistic Child Always Hungry? Food and Autism

Are you wondering why your autistic child always seems hungry? You’re not alone. Many parents of autistic children notice differences in eating patterns, including overeating.

This guide looks at the connection between autism and eating habits, offering practical tips to help your child develop a healthier relationship with food.

Key Takeaways

• Autism and Overeating Connections: Learn about the biological and sensory factors that can lead to increased appetite and overeating in children with autism spectrum disorder.
• Common Eating Patterns: Discover why many autistic children experience food-related challenges including both selective eating and overeating behaviours.
• Practical Strategies: Get helpful approaches for managing eating habits, creating structure around mealtimes, and promoting a healthy lifestyle for your autistic child.

What is the Link Between Autism and Eating Habits?

Autism spectrum disorder affects how children interact with the world, including their relationship with food. While much attention focuses on picky eating in autism, many families also struggle with overeating.

According to the National Autistic Society, children with autism are more likely to experience feeding difficulties compared to typically developing children.

Several factors can contribute to why your autistic child always seems hungry:

Sensory Processing and Food

Sensory processing differences play a significant role in how autistic children experience food. The brain processes sensory information differently in people with autism, affecting how hunger signals are interpreted.

Some children seek additional sensory stimulation through eating or find certain textures rewarding. Others use eating as a self-regulation tool or have genuine difficulty recognising when they’re full.

Routine and Predictability

Many autistic children find comfort in routines. As explained by Great Ormond Street Hospital, the need for sameness is a common trait in autism.

Children might want to eat at specific times regardless of hunger levels or become extremely anxious if mealtime routines change. This need for predictability can be misinterpreted as constant hunger when it’s actually a desire for familiar routine.

Common Eating Patterns in Autism

Selective Overeating

Selective overeating occurs when a child eats excessive amounts of preferred foods while refusing others. A child might only eat foods of a certain texture but eat those foods in much larger amounts than needed.

This pattern can create nutritional imbalances and make it challenging to maintain a healthy weight, according to research from University College London.

Difficulty Recognising Fullness

Some autistic children have trouble identifying when they’re full. The NHS suggests this might be connected to interoception, the sense that helps us understand internal bodily sensations.

Food as Comfort

For many children with autism, food can become a source of comfort during times of stress or anxiety. The predictable sensory experience of eating preferred foods can help regulate emotions, which might explain why some autistic children want to eat more during challenging situations.

Health Implications

When autistic children consistently overeat, there can be health concerns:

Weight Management Challenges

Weight gain is a common concern for parents whose autistic children overeat. According to Public Health England, obesity rates are higher among children with developmental disorders including autism.

This increased risk can lead to health complications like diabetes, heart disease, and sleep issues. Managing weight requires balancing proper nutrition with addressing the underlying reasons for overeating.

Nutritional Imbalances

When overeating focuses on a limited range of foods, autistic children may miss essential nutrients despite consuming a large amount of calories. The British Nutrition Foundation emphasises the importance of nutritional variety even within limited food preferences.

Practical Strategies for Managing Overeating

Structure and Visual Supports

Creating clear structure around eating times can help autistic children feel secure while learning appropriate portion sizes.

Autism Education Trust recommends using visual supports like picture schedules to show when meals happen. Create visual guides showing appropriate portion sizes and use timers to indicate the beginning and end of mealtime.

Sensory-Based Approaches

Understanding your child’s sensory sensitivities can help address overeating. You can offer sensory alternatives that provide similar input to eating, such as chewy toys for mouth sensory needs.

Try to identify the sensory aspects your child seeks from food and provide them in non-food ways. Creating a sensory-friendly eating environment that reduces overwhelming stimuli can also help.

Working with Medical Professionals

If you’re concerned about your autistic child’s eating habits, the Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends speaking with your GP first.

Consider referral to a dietitian with experience in autism and explore feeding therapy options. Rule out medical causes for increased appetite, as some medications can increase hunger.

Overall

Autism and overeating create unique challenges for families. Knowing why your autistic child always seems hungry is the first step toward helping them develop a healthier relationship with food.

The Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University points out that progress may be slow, and what works will be as unique as your child. Be patient as you develop new strategies together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could my autistic child’s medications be causing increased hunger?

Yes, some medications prescribed for autism spectrum disorder symptoms can increase appetite. According to the British National Formulary, common medications that might contribute to increased hunger include certain antipsychotics and ADHD medications. If you notice changes after starting a new medication, speak with your doctor.

How can I tell if my autistic child’s overeating is sensory-seeking behaviour?

Sensory-seeking overeating often shows specific patterns. Your child might prefer foods with intense flavours or specific textures, seek out crunchy foods, or show visible satisfaction from the sensory aspects of eating. SENSE UK explains that children might also focus intensely on the sensory experience while eating.

Are eating disorders more common in autistic children?

Recent studies from Beat Eating Disorders suggest that people with autism spectrum disorder may have an increased risk of developing various eating disorders, including overeating and restrictive patterns like anorexia. The connection appears related to traits common in autism such as rigid thinking and sensory differences.

How can I help my autistic child recognise when they’re full?

Teaching interoceptive awareness can help your child identify fullness cues. The Royal College of Occupational Therapists recommends using visual scales to rate hunger/fullness levels, pausing during meals to check in on fullness feelings, and teaching the physical sensations associated with being full.