As a mother and professional invested in both behavioral science and public health, I have seen firsthand the challenges that picky eating presents for children. It is particularly more challenging for children with autism and sensory sensitivities. Many parents and educators I have worked with express frustration over their child’s limited diet, which affects both nutrition and social engagement during meals. Fortunately, research shows that applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques, combined with an understanding of cognitive and sensory factors, can help children gradually expand their food choices. Drawing from both personal experiences and studies by Freeman et al. (2019) and Kutbi et al. (2019), this discussion explores practical, research-backed strategies that parents and caregivers can use to support their children in developing healthier eating habits.
Understanding Picky Eating in Children
Picky eating is influenced by a complex interplay of behavioral, socioenvironmental, and cognitive factors. I have encountered parents who, despite their best efforts, struggle to introduce variety into their child’s diet. Research by Freeman et al. (2019) and Kutbi et al. (2019) offers valuable insights into these challenges and provides effective intervention strategies.
Picky Eating in Children with Autism and Developmental Disorders
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience picky eating due to heightened sensory sensitivities, rigid food preferences, and discomfort with changes in routine. There are some children who would only eat white foods due to their neutral texture and lack of strong flavors. Such dietary limitations can lead to nutritional deficiencies and social challenges during mealtimes (Freeman et al., 2019). Understanding these unique challenges is essential for designing interventions that cater to a child’s individual needs.
Behavioral and Environmental Influences on Eating Habits
Research has consistently shown that ABA-based techniques, such as reinforcement, modeling, and gradual exposure, can be highly effective in increasing food acceptance (Freeman et al., 2019). I have seen a structured meal setting help a child overcome food neophobia simply by observing parents and siblings enjoying a variety of foods.
Parental attitudes also play a critical role. Kutbi et al. (2019) found that excessive pressure to eat often worsens picky eating tendencies, while gentle encouragement and visual exposure to foods can improve acceptance. From personal observation, parents who model a relaxed approach to mealtime often see better long-term outcomes.
Cognitive and Sensory Factors in Food Acceptance
Some children reject foods based on texture, taste, or smell. I have seen children refuse crunchy vegetables yet accept them when blended into a smoothie. Kutbi et al. (2019) highlight that color perception also influences food preference—children often associate orange foods with sweetness, making them more appealing. Recognizing these cognitive and sensory influences allows caregivers to introduce foods in a way that aligns with a child’s preferences and comfort level.
Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
From personal experience and research, the following ABA-based strategies are particularly effective in encouraging children to try new foods:
- Gradual Exposure – Introduce new foods in small portions alongside familiar, preferred foods. A child who enjoys mashed potatoes, for example, may be more willing to try mashed carrots when mixed in gradually (Freeman et al., 2019).
- Structured Mealtime Routines – Consistent meal schedules and designated eating areas create a sense of security and predictability, which can ease food-related anxieties.
- Food-Based Play – Engaging children in playful food activities, such as making fun shapes with fruits and vegetables, can reduce anxiety and increase willingness to try new foods(Freeman et al., 2019).
- Positive Reinforcement – Praise and small rewards for interacting with new foods (e.g., touching, smelling, or tasting) can help children associate mealtime with positive experiences (Kutbi et al., 2019).
- Modeling Positive Eating Behaviors – When family members and peers enthusiastically try new foods, children are more likely to do the same (Freeman et al., 2019).
- Relaxed Mealtime Environment – Avoiding pressure to eat and allowing children to explore new foods at their own pace fosters long-term acceptance.
- Visual Food Exposure – Showing children pictures or videos of food before introducing them can increase familiarity and acceptance (Kutbi et al., 2019).
Conclusion
Helping picky eaters expand their diet requires patience, consistency, and a supportive, non-pressuring approach. By understanding the behavioral, environmental, and sensory factors influencing eating habits, parents and educators can implement practical strategies that promote a healthy, varied diet. Small, gradual steps—paired with positive reinforcement and structured exposure—can make a world of difference in encouraging long-term dietary expansion. Through these methods, we can transform mealtimes from moments of frustration into opportunities for growth and enjoyment.
References
Freeman, S. F., Hayashida, K., Paparella, T., Azad, G., Flowers, C. D., & Glamore, A. (2019). “You Still Have to Try It!”: Helping Picky Eaters in Classroom Groups. Beyond Behavior, 28(3), 142-153.
Kutbi, H. A., Alhatmi, A. A., Alsulami, M. H., Alghamdi, S. S., Albagar, S. M., Mumena, W. A., & Mosli, R. H. (2019). Food neophobia and pickiness among children and associations with socioenvironmental and cognitive factors. Appetite, 142, 104373.
