Food Struggles and Autism

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Food struggles. Some of the hardest battles we’ve had to date. I could tell you stories people.

Tonight though, Super Cooper ate a whole plate of spaghetti and meatballs. And while he ate, Jamie and I reminisced about the days where he would throw chairs and tables (yes tables) over the sight of a blueberry, an apple or any new food.

Up until Cooper was five years old he ate only four foods. The same four foods for every meal. Chicken nuggets, yogurt, Goldfish crackers and veggie straws. He also only drank milk. No water or juice.

As a result, had really bad GI issues. GI issues affect sleep, attitude, learning, etc.

We knew in order to help him feel better we had to fix his diet. But it seemed absolutely impossible. I’d get energy, make a plan, promise to stick with it, and give up every single time. Meal times were a disaster. I’d cry. He’d cry. We’d all cry. Jamie and I would fight. Sawyer would ask why he had to eat dinner when his brother didn’t. It was a nightmare.

Until one day, with the help of a therapist, we broke through. And since that day, he is willing to try. It’s been life changing.

Food struggles. The stories I could tell.

My kid is awesome. Happy, healthy and willing to try. What more could a mother ever ask for?

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Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

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2 Comments

  1. Kristy Pickell on August 28, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    What did the therapist recommend trying to get Cooper to try new foods? How did they suggest going about it?



    • Allison on August 29, 2018 at 3:44 pm

      What were the methods used by the therapist? I’m currently struggling with a very picky eater. We’re down to french toast sticks (the frozen kind), cheese-itz, chex mix cereal, fruit & veggie popsicles, veggie straws and occasionally macaroni and cheese (super rare). Oh and bread with Nutella. It seems like every other day he has decided he hates another food and being limited verbally it’s hard to figure out a new food he will eat. He hasn’t eaten meat in months. and he hasn’t had a fruit or vegetable since he was about 2 1/2. He just turned 6 and I’m so worried about his diet.

      Also, I’m following your journey with medical cannabis! My husband and I have been talking about giving it a try as well. We aren’t in a state where its legal yet so we would have to go the OTC route but I am wondering if this would also help with my son’s diet too. If its treating anxiety, I’m curious to see if he will be open to trying more foods, as it won’t stress him out as much.