Beyond Picky Eating: Navigating Food Selectivity in Children with Autism Using ABA

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism prevalence has increased by 178 percent since 2000, and as of 2023, around 1 in 36 children in the U.S. has been diagnosed with autism. Among those children, more than %70 of them have food selectivity Mayes et al. (2019), which essentially means an extremely restrictive diet. Food selectivity, characterized by limited food choices, can pose a health risk due to potential nutritional deficiencies. When individuals consistently consume a narrow range of foods, they may miss out on essential nutrients, leading to issues like weakened immune systems Sharp et al. (2018). Treating food selectivity is crucial for not only physical health but also mental health Lepinioti et al. (2021), especially in vulnerable populations like children with autism. In this research paper, I aim to answer some of the critical questions surrounding food selectivity, explore its connections with oral sensory perception, and propose approaches for addressing this complex issue. Through this paper, I hope to contribute to a better understanding of food selectivity and provide insights that can enhance the well-being of affected individuals and their communities.