Let’s face it, feeding a picky eater is hard. Feeding a picky eater with autism? That’s a whole new level.
If you’re a Nigerian parent trying to get your autistic child to eat more than one type of food, you already know the struggle. The textures. The smells. The “no” before you even open the plate.
However, the truth is that it’s not about the food most times. It’s about the sensory experience. Autistic kids don’t just eat with their mouths, they eat with their eyes, ears, nose, and fingertips too. And that’s exactly why some traditional meals can feel too overwhelming for them. All the bold spices, mixed textures, and “swallow and soup” combos can trigger a shutdown before the first bite.
But the good news is that you can help your child transition to healthier, local Nigerian foods regardless. And you don’t need a lot of fancy recipes to make it happen.
But first, Rule Out Medical Issues: Sensitive Gut, Sensitive Child
Before you try any food hack, rule out medical problems. It’s common for autistic children to have gastrointestinal distress like bloating, cramps, tummy pain that they can’t explain. So if your child grimaces at semolina or clams up after eating rice, don’t ignore it. Parents often overlook digestive issues, blaming the food quality or the child’s mood. Schedule a quick check with a pediatrician to ensure there’s no underlying issue.
Some kids have avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, a condition linked with autism that can cause nutrient deficiencies. If your child eats fewer than five foods for months and still won’t budge, that’s a red flag. But hey, this isn't to scare you, it’s to give you a heads up so you can get help early.
Start Small, Go Slowly: Baby Steps on Familiar Ground
Research suggests starting with one bite of a new food alongside something familiar, for example a side of afang soup(instead of their preferred soup) with their usual semolina. Let’s call this “food chaining”, transitioning from known to new by introducing minor changes.
Example: child loves fried yam; mix small yam cubes with vegetable sauce instead of egg sauce. Next week, increase the sauce slightly. Keep sugars and spices mild until they’re comfortable. Step by step. One bite. One meal. Slowly replacing known favourites with healthier alternatives.
Tune into the textures they like
Autism often comes with hypersensitivity to textures. So ask yourself: what textures does your child prefer? Crunchy (plantain chips), squishy (moimoi), runny (pap), or soft (boiled yam)? Once you figure that out, tailor your recipes accordingly. For example;
Crunchy: try baked sweet potato chips or akara.
Squishy: moimoi made smooth with blended beans can feel safer.
Runny: avocado and blended veggie smoothie can help introduce greens.
Soft: mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, soft, steamed spinach mixed into cocoyam pottage might fly under the radar.
For more sensory‑friendly guidance, read this article on healthy nigerian food ideas that fit sensory needs.
Play with Food: Familiarity Before Flavor
Here’s a trick: let them play with food. The sensory experience is key. Painting with ogbono stew on a plate, cutting shapes from yam using cookie cutters, or playing with tomato stew like finger paint, things like these could lower the fear of new food. See you stirring the egusi pot? Let them too. Suddenly, that food isn’t alien, it’s part of them.
Give Choices and Control
Kids with autism often thrive when they have choices. So ask, “Would you like efo riro or okra soup today?” Or, “Plantain chips or coconut flakes?” Within that choice, introduce a tiny spoon of cooked vegetables. Children having a sense of control reduces anxiety and increases willingness to try new things.
Involve your child in food prep
Children are more likely to try what they help make. So get them involved in any little way. More bonus points for making it a fun activity.
Eat It Together Modeling and Atmosphere
We’re Nigerians, food brings us together. Make meals communal, calm, and joyful. When your child sees you enjoying jollof, fish stew, or egusi, they’ll become curious. Mealtime shouldn’t feel like punishment. Keep the volume down, distractions minimal, and your mood relaxed. A positive vibe encourages tasting.
Keep Routines: Expectation Meets Comfort
Routine matters. Eat meals at consistent times; breakfast, lunch, dinner, two snacks. Signal structure and make appetite predictable. Also use visual cues if needed like a simple picture board or phone reminder. When the child knows what’s coming, anxiety drops, and openness rises.
Reinforce Wins By Celebrating them
Even one spoonful deserves praise. No bribes, just genuine delight. Maybe a back‑pat, a hug, or an extra bedtime story. Over time, small positive feedback encourages repeat behavior.
If it works, you might say: “Wow, you tried some eba today!” And not: “Make sure you finish your plate.”
When You Don’t Succeed, Switch and Try Again
Sometimes it doesn’t work and that’s fine. If after twelve tries a food keeps getting refused, don’t force it. Try a different vegetable, or tweak the texture. Move on. You don’t want mealtime to feel like war every time.
Track Progress
Maintain a food and behavior diary where you note; new foods introduced, physical reactions (bloating, diarrhea, rash) and behavioral changes (focus, meltdowns, sleep).
Bring in the Specialists
If picky eating persists, consider a team: a dietitian, occupational therapist, or ABA practitioner. They can help with structured meals, oral‑motor issues, and sensory processing. Even in less‑resourced areas, many clinics in Lagos or Abuja offer feeding support. Ask your pediatrician for referrals.