Picky eating can be tough any time of year, but Thanksgiving can make it feel extra overwhelming. The smells, textures, crowded tables, new foods, and changes in routine can all add up. While picky eating isn’t a formal diagnosis, children with autism often experience it more intensely. Research shows that feeding difficulties such as limited food variety or selective intake are very common among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
If mealtimes at your house feel stressful, know you’re not alone. Let’s talk about why picky eating happens and share some Thanksgiving-friendly tips to make your holiday meal a little smoother for you and your child.
Why Picky Eating Happens in Autism
For many children with ASD, sensory sensitivities play a big role in their eating habits. A food’s texture, smell, color, or how it’s served can feel overwhelming. You may see things like:
- Avoiding certain textures or strong smells
- Sticking to the same few foods only
- Upset or resistance during mealtime routines
- Refusing new foods or unfamiliar brands
- Needing specific plate, utensil, or food arrangement
Understanding this helps us meet children where they are with patience and strategies that respect their sensory world.
Offer Tiny Portions with Familiar Options
Thanksgiving often brings lots of new foods. That can be a lot for a picky eater.
Try:
- Very small bites of new or unfamiliar foods (e.g., a pea-sized piece of turkey, one small bite of stuffing)
- Let your child decide: “Would you like a small bite or a tiny bite?” or “Do you want to try the mashed potatoes or the green bean first?”
Choices give control, and that can reduce pressure.
Let Them Help in the Kitchen!
Thanksgiving offers fun chances for involvement, without the pressure of eating something new right away.
Try involving your child in:
- Helping wash veggies
- Mixing ingredients
- Setting the table or placing rolls
- Watching or helping cook (age-appropriate)
- Looking at the grocery list or picking one familiar item
The more the child is involved, the more comfortable they become with the food environment.
Maintain a Calm, Pressure-Free Mealtime
Thanksgiving is about connection, not just what’s on the plate! Here are some things you can try:
- Allowing one familiar “safe food” on your child’s plate
- Keeping noise and distractions low (consider ear plugs or quiet space if needed)
- Letting your child take breaks if the table gets overwhelming
- Celebrating any step! This could be smelling a new food, touching it, sitting with the family
Small steps build confidence.
You’re Doing More Than You Might Realize
Thanksgiving can be tricky, but with patience, exposure, involvement, and celebration of progress (no matter how small), your child can feel more comfortable and you can feel more confident. Mealtimes don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful! Early support can help address issues before they become bigger. We are here to support children and their families, for more information about our ABA services click here to get in touch with our team. Happy Thanksgiving from our team!
