How a Dietitian Can Help Autistic People: Understanding the Role of a Specialised Autism Dietitian
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition meaning the nervous system has developed differently to that of most people. It is a naturally occurring form of neurodiversity. Autistic people can experience the world in a unique way, often noticing details that others might overlook. This can lead to strengths such as deep focus and passion in specific areas of interest. Autism affects how minds and bodies work with patterns of differences in movement, sensory processing, social communication, routines, behaviour, thought processes, learning, working memory and awareness. These differences can impact many areas of eating and feeding with research finding that 70% of autistic children demonstrate ‘atypical’ eating behaviours. These often very specific food preferences or aversions can make maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet difficult.
This is where an autism dietitian in Perth can play a crucial role.
Dietitians are trained professionals who understand the importance of nutrition and how dietary needs can vary among individuals. In the context of autism, a dietitian’s role becomes even more specialised, as they focus on addressing the unique nutritional challenges that many autistic people face. Here’s how an autism dietitian can help:
Addressing sensory differences with food
Many autistic individuals experience heightened sensory sensitivities, which can affect their relationship with food. Textures, smells, and even the appearance of certain foods can be overwhelming, leading to restrictive eating habits. Some autistic adults and adults may only accept a very limited variety of foods.
An autism dietitian can help by gradually expanding the range of foods in a person’s diet. They use strategies that respect the individual’s sensory sensitivities while encouraging them to try new foods in a supportive and non-pressured environment. If appropriate, they can provide strategies to improve interoceptive awareness of hunger, thirst and fullness cues. This process can improve dietary variety and help ensure that the person is receiving the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
Managing nutritional deficiencies
Due to restrictive diets or limited food intake, some autistic people are at risk of nutritional deficiencies. This can lead to a range of health issues, including low energy, fatigue, digestive problems, and impaired immune function. Common nutrient deficiencies include vitamins A, C, and D, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc.
A dietitian in Perth who specialises in autism can assess the individual’s current diet and identify any nutritional gaps. They can then recommend appropriate supplements or suggest food alternatives that meet the person’s dietary preferences while ensuring they get the nutrients they need. This personalised approach helps to maintain the individual’s health and well-being without overwhelming them with sudden dietary changes.
Supporting gut health and managing gastrointestinal symptoms
Gut health is a key concern for many autistic people. Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, and bloating are common and can affect mood. Research shows that approximately 70% of autistic children have gastrointestinal difficulties.
An autism dietitian can work to improve gut health by exploring the reasons for gastrointestinal symptoms such as (but not limited to) bloating, early fullness, food intolerances or inadequate fibre intake. They may adjust the diet to include more fibre, probiotics, and other foods to manage symptoms and improve overall gut health. It is worth noting there is not enough evidence to recommend a gluten-free or casein-free diet for autistic people and can increase the risk for inadequate nutrient intake, with risks further exacerbated if the person already has a limited diet and excludes some of their preferred foods.
Creating mealtime routines
Routine and predictability are important for many autistic people, and this extends to mealtimes. For example, there may be insistence on sameness and ritualistic mealtime behaviours to reduce uncertainty, uncontrollability and dysregulation. A dietitian can help create structured mealtime routines that fit the individual, making it easier for them to understand what to expect. This can reduce anxiety around meals and help build a more trusting and positive relationship with food.
In addition, a dietitian can offer practical advice on food preparation and presentation, helping carers or family members make meals more appealing and manageable. This might involve simple changes such as cutting food into shapes, using specific utensils, or adjusting portion sizes to match the person’s preferences.
Working collaboratively with families and health professionals
A key strength of an autism dietitian in Perth is their ability to work collaboratively with the individual’s family, carers, and other healthcare professionals. Autism affects each person differently, and successful interventions often require a team approach including GPs, Psychiatrists, Paediatricians, Psychologists, OTs, Speech Pathologists and Physiotherapists. By working together, the dietitian can provide holistic support that addresses the individual’s specific needs, while keeping in mind their behavioural, sensory, and medical challenges.
The dietitian can also educate families about autism-friendly cooking techniques, food shopping tips, and strategies for managing mealtime behaviours. This empowers families to take an active role in supporting their loved one’s nutritional health.
What to expect from your dietitian at Dietwise
For autistic individuals, a balanced diet is essential for their overall health and development, yet it can be difficult to achieve due to several factors such as sensory sensitivities, executive functioning differences, neurotypical expectations, dysregulation, pervasive drive for autonomy/demand avoidance, gastrointestinal issues and more. At Dietwise, we specialise in assisting autistic individuals in Perth and offer individualised support, helping to improve dietary variety, address nutritional deficiencies, build mealtime routines and support gut health. By providing tailored advice and working collaboratively with families, dietitians play a vital role in improving the well-being of autistic people, making sure they receive the nutrition they need to thrive.
As every autistic person’s eating and feeding experience is different, no one approach, diet, or supplement will suit everyone. Our dietitians approach their work with compassionate curiosity and embrace creative and collaborative problem-solving. We also understand the importance of working in a way that encourages the development of a positive neurodivergent identity for the individual and the family.
If you or someone you care about need nutrition support related to autism, reach out today to our Dietwise Care Coordinators to get started by contacting us on – 08 9388 2423 or reception@dietwise.net.au. You can even contact us through our website here. We are open 6 days per week for in-person and Telehealth appointments including both after-hours and Saturdays.
Written by:
Alissa Erneste & Sonya Douglas
Accredited Practising Dietitians & Accredited Nutritionists