01/06/2026
Kaetlynn explains the "Steps to Eating" approach in a nutshell.
Did you know that for a child (or adult too!) that there are actually 32 steps in the process of eating. It is not just as simple as "take a bite".
Eating is the most complex physical task that human beings engage in. It is the only human task, which requires every one of your organ systems, and requires that all of those systems work correctly. In addition, Every muscle in the body is involved (one swallow for example, takes 26 muscles and 6 cranial nerves to coordinate). Learning, development, nutrition and the environment also have to be integrated in to make sure a child can manage and engaging in eating.
Want to learn more? Chat to your passionate OT who loves to support families with making mealtimes less of a battle and more a positive experience for all.
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For years, we assumed that sensory issues were the primary reason autistic people rejected new foods.
While sensory differences absolutely can play a role, newer research suggests that rigidity may be just as much of a factor for many people.
Sometimes the thought process isn’t:
“I can’t eat this.”
It’s:
“I don’t eat this, therefore I can’t eat this.”
To a neurotypical person, trying a new food might feel like a small decision.
To an autistic person who relies heavily on routines and predictability, it can feel like breaking an unwritten rule.
So what can we do to help?
▪️ Remove pressure.
The more pressure someone feels, the more likely they are to dig their heels in. Encouragement works better than demands.
▪️ Start with exposure, not eating.
Let people look at the food, smell it, touch it, lick it, help prepare it, or simply have it on their plate. Success doesn’t have to begin with taking a bite.
▪️ Make changes small.
Going from chicken nuggets to sushi is wild.
Going from one brand of nugget to another brand may be much more manageable.
▪️ Connect new foods to familiar foods.
If someone likes french fries, they may be more willing to try another potato-based food than something completely unrelated.
▪️ Allow people to change their minds.
Trying a food once and rejecting it doesn’t mean they’ll never accept it later.
▪️ Celebrate flexibility.
Instead of focusing only on whether someone liked the food, acknowledge the effort it took to try something new in the first place.
Example: “I love that you THOUGHT about giving that a try!”
Ideally, we want to gradually increase comfort with novelty, flexibility, and new experiences while respecting individual needs.
Sometimes progress looks like eating a new food.
Sometimes progress looks like simply being willing to let it sit on the plate.
