Food aversion is commonly experienced by autistic people. It often manifests as an intense dislike or refusal to eat certain foods due to their texture, smell, colour or taste. The aversion may be because the person does not like different food groups touching, but it may also be an aversion to specific textures such as mushrooms or buttered bread, or other foods which have a unique texture or flavour. Having food aversion can be challenging for an autistic person as people around them may not understand the fear that the aversion causes. Family members may struggle to provide an adequate diet, as food aversion can limit nutritional intake and potentially affect overall health. It is one of the most well-known features of autism, particularly in children.
Brumotactillophobia
An extreme form of food aversion is brumotactillophobia, the fear of food touching on one’s plate. While this phobia is not exclusive to autistic people, there is a higher prevalence within the autistic community. People with brumotactillophobia may require their food to be served on separate plates or use dividers to keep food items apart. It can significantly limit the variety of foods consumed, leading to potential nutritional deficiencies. Although not as commonly diagnosed or reported as other food phobias, it is a debilitating condition for many.
Food sensory problems in autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by difficulties with social interaction, communication, and a tendency to engage in repetitive behaviours. Sensory issues are also a significant aspect of autism, making individuals hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensory input. This heightened sensitivity often extends to the domain of food, resulting in food aversions or restrictive eating habits.
Research suggests that up to 90% of children with autism exhibit selective eating patterns, compared to 39% of typically developing children. This might stem from a hypersensitive or hyposensitivity to textures, smells, tastes, or colours of food, presenting a significant hurdle to a balanced diet. Caregivers may need to adopt alternative methods to introduce different food groups slowly and steadily, respecting the individual’s sensitivities while ensuring nutritional needs are met.
Food aversion in adults
Many adults with autism also struggle with food-related issues. A study of autistic children in 2012 extended to the parents of those children and found that adults may present with food aversion although less commonly than children. Food aversions do not necessarily diminish with age; in fact, some adults may find these aversions become more ingrained due to lifelong patterns of selective eating.
Like children, adults with autism may be hypersensitive to the sensory aspects of food, such as texture, smell, taste, and appearance. Their eating habits can be significantly restrictive, leading to a diet lacking variety and nutritional value. This can have serious implications for their health, including increased risks of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other nutrition-related conditions.
Adults with autism may also experience food aversions linked to brumotactillophobia. The fear of foods touching the plate can continue to cause significant distress and limit the variety of foods consumed, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies.
Getting help
Talking therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can be beneficial in managing food aversions and brumotactillophobia. CBT enables individuals to confront and gradually overcome their fears and aversions in a supportive environment.
Occupational therapy, particularly Sensory Integration Therapy, can also be an effective approach to addressing food-related sensitivities. It involves tailored activities that gradually expose the individual to a variety of sensory stimuli, promoting adaptive responses and ultimately a wider acceptance of different foods.
Nutritional interventions from a dietitian or a nutrionalist may be required. Dietitians and nutritionists provide personalised dietary strategies to ensure that individuals with food aversions or brumotactillophobia are still receiving the necessary nutrients.
Seeking an assessment
If you or a loved one suffer from food aversion or Brumotactillophobia and are concerned that you may be autistic, you might consider seeking an autism assessment. You could speak to your GP if you are undecided or if you wish to seek an assessment from your local NHS autism of neurodevelopmental service.
Should you wish to see a private autism assessment, call us on 01865 630111, email office@adhdandautismclinic.co.uk, or complete our simple enquiry form. To read about what an autism assessment involves, you might find this information useful.