Picky Eating and Autism?

There is evidence that picky eating in children is part of the signs of autism. There's been no scientific testing to see if that still holds in an adult's life... but I can see where it could. Have you thought about talking with a doctor about it? Maybe they can shed some light on the subject for you.

I know that I have your same problem with food, but I am sure I am not autistic.

I'm a picky eater. I was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy and being on the autism spectrum.

Only a trained physician can tell if your picky eating is connected to something else.

A lot of times the picky eating that comes along with Autism is because of textures of foods, which would make sense in your case.

I have a friend who has an autistic grandson. He started out in life underweight and skinny. His parents let him eat whatever he wanted, he now only eats junk--and I mean junk. He lives on chips, french fries, fast food nuggets and cheeseburgers, mac and cheese, and cookies. That's all he ever wants and if he doesn't get that, he throws a massive fit and throws things all over the house. Almost all of his anger issues seem to be about food, what he wants and when he wants it. The main problem with this eating is he is now absolutely huge, he weighs close to 300#. And when he throws an angry fit over not getting what foods he wants, you know it. He has broken windows and doors and his dad's arm. He is 16 and just gets bigger and bigger from this diet of junk. He can be so sweet, but when he doesn't get what he wants, you don't want to be there. My friend is sad because she is a small woman, and can't stay with him anymore by herself as he is hard to handle. There are many, many forms and degrees of autism, and many people know way more about it than I do. Some people never get properly diagnosed, as they don't follow the pattern people have seen. Problems with textures are fairly common in all people, most have at least one texture they can't stand. So is it only cooked vegetables that you hate so much, or can you eat raw ones, like carrot sticks? Just curious. How do you manage vegetables for your family? Do they hate them, too? I know some families like mine love them, and some hate them.

My daughter is autistic and I suffer from bi-polar disorder. So I understand what you're going through. I was a picky eater as well when I was growing up but I did kind of outgrow it. As for the depression, I have my ups and downs as well. Fortunately, my daughter actually didn't have the common "picky eater" vibes as a child. There are different levels and symptoms of being autistic. One key thing that I do know is sensitivity issues. And since you expressed that you do realize that textures and things may offend you and such with food, This may be a symptom. I see that you've gotten other good advice from people here about consulting a doctor. I hope that you will follow up with that advice.