'Like Taking Away His Lifeline': Recognizing and Addressing the Role of Food as a Sensory Regulation Strategy in Children With Autism

摘要

Children with autism spectrum diagnoses often seek specific sensory input that provides a calming or regulating purpose. This article considers the impact that sensory regulating strategies have on a child's nutrition, encourages clinicians to consider how some foods are currently being used for regulation, and presents challenges associated with overall feeding progress when a primary means of regulation is food related. Two case studies present conflicting situations, one child whose use of food leads to concern for obesity and the other whose continued use of the bottle prevents him from falling off of his weight and growth curves. A team approach for intervention is encouraged to ensure that all needs that affect feeding progress are supported.