The Curiosity Plate
3-Minute Read
Let’s talk about selective eating.
Many autistic children have strong food preferences and may have difficulty consuming enough nutritional value because of it. So let’s talk about why that happens and explore some strategies you can try at home to support your child.
Before I start, I want to be clear: I do not have a feeding license. These tips are simply ideas based on neurodiversity-affirming approaches that I have learned from other professionals and parents who have told me about their lived experiences. Take what feels helpful, and remember, what works for one person may not work for another.
So, why do food preferences happen?
Let’s start by thinking about whole foods - fruits, vegetables, chicken, eggs. Each of these foods has a specific flavor, texture, and smell, but even within the same category, every bite can be different. One strawberry might be super sweet, another might be too sour. A bite of chicken might be tender, while another is dry or chewy. These inconsistencies are unpredictable, and for many autistic children, that unpredictability can create anxiety.
Now think about processed foods, Pringles, chicken nuggets, and pretzel sticks. Every piece looks and tastes the same. That consistency makes them feel safe. Your child knows what to expect, and that predictability can give them a sense of control during mealtime.
So, how can you introduce new foods in a way that is respectful, inviting, and affirming?
Start small. Very, very small.
The most important thing to remember is that baby steps matter. Feeding therapy often follows a basic progression:
Tolerating the food being near them
Touching the food
Smelling it
Bringing it to the lips
Licking
Biting and spitting out
Eventually, chewing and swallowing
Progress isn’t linear, it’s about expanding possibilities without pressure. Keep that in mind as you explore at home.
Here are two easy, no-pressure strategies to get started:
The Curiosity Plate
Fill an extra plate with food and set it in the middle of the table. This plate is for curiosity purposes, and it’s for everyone! The food on this plate is for exploration. Wanna smell the broccoli? Go for it. Wanna swirl your finger around in the linguini? Knock yourself out. This plate isn’t about eating. It's about curiosity, sensory play, and creating positive associations. Nothing is judged. Nothing is forced.
Mix It Up
Any way that you can introduce a new way to eat your child’s preferred food is worth a shot. If your child eats grilled cheese every day, try cutting one half into a triangle while keeping the other half in the usual square shape. Place a single carrot stick next to their preferred cheese puffs. You’re not asking them to eat it, you’re just inviting it into the room. Exposure without pressure is incredibly powerful.
If your child is a selective eater, you’re not doing anything wrong, and neither are they. Their preferences are real, valid, and often deeply sensory in nature. You don’t have to make every meal a therapy session. Just remember: connection over correction. Mealtime can be about togetherness, not just nutrition.
What if trying one new thing, like a curiosity plate, opens the door to something bigger down the line? What if helping your child feel safe around food is more important than whether or not they take a bite?
That’s a worthy goal in itself.
~Chloe