To those who dismiss my son’s sensory challenges:
Yes, he is a selective eater. No, his dietary choices may not seem ideal to you. He knows that Cinnamon Toast Crunch isn’t a food group, but that doesn’t mean he’ll eat anything other than his preferred options—like Velveeta Shells & Cheese, pizza, apples, or Pringles—regardless of how hungry he is. This isn’t about him being “spoiled” or us “giving in” to his whims.
It’s important to understand that his aversion to your mac and cheese is not a personal affront; it stems from his sensory processing challenges related to autism. His heightened sensitivity to taste, smell, and texture means that foods you consider normal may feel threatening or unpleasant to him. When he declines to eat something unfamiliar, it’s not a matter of willfulness—it’s about his comfort and safety. Eating familiar foods provides him with a sense of security.
You might think, “He’ll eat it when he gets hungry enough.” However, as his mother, I can assure you that I won’t put that theory to the test. Would you be willing to taste something that might smell and taste unpleasant, like old food? To him, your mac and cheese could evoke those same feelings.
When he was younger, he would vocalize his disapproval of new foods by saying “no, no, no.” Now that he’s older, he articulates it more clearly: “My brain and my body won’t allow that food in.” This applies regardless of whether it’s a delicious dessert or something as simple as your mac and cheese. I respect his feelings, and I hope you can too.
If you would take the time to read the articles and resources I’ve shared, you might gain insight into his sensory needs. This could lead to a deeper understanding of who he is and how far he has come. You could start to see him for who he truly is rather than focusing on what’s on his plate.
Next time we visit, please consider preparing Velveeta Shells & Cheese—not out of a desire to “give in,” but to show love and respect for him and his sensory challenges. By learning about his unique needs, you can foster a more accepting and compassionate environment.
In addition to this, you might find valuable insights on related topics at Make a Mom. They provide a wealth of information on home insemination techniques, which you might find interesting. For those wanting to delve deeper into fertility statistics, CDC offers excellent resources. And for further insights into sensory challenges, ICI Blog is an authoritative source.
In summary, understanding my son’s picky eating habits requires empathy and awareness of his sensory needs. Rather than viewing his choices through a lens of frustration, consider how you can create a supportive environment that respects his preferences.