What else can your child do if he’s not ready to eat yet? When I work with kids 1-on-1 I always let them know it’s fine if they’re not ready to eat YET. But I always see if there’s something ELSE they are ready to do with that food. Remember that ANY interaction with a food is a step in the right direction. The goal is to go at your child’s pace and keep things positive. These activities empower your child while also helping them eventually feel more comfortable with eating. Want more easy but GENIUS ideas to transform your fussy eater into a happier one? Grab a copy of my ebook Austim Food Rules linked in my bio (it’s not just for kids with ASD!). . . . . . . #autism #asd #autismnutrition #pickyeaters #feedingprogram #fussyeaters #stepstoeating #autismspectrumdisorder #spd #autismmom #kidfriendlyfood #sensoryprocessingdisorder #whatifeedmykid #pickyeatingtips #autismnutritionist #arfid #pickyeaterproblems #autismdiet #sensorykid #spectrum_inspired #autismfoodrules #sensoryplay

This excites me because it’s built with some of my favorite foods. ⠀⠀ It’s also a great example because so many fussy eaters struggle to eat protein and green foods! ⠀⠀ There are a lot of textures going on with this chain. How would it work for your picky eater? ⠀⠀ Grab your FREE picky eating guide - link in bio - for even more picky eating tips! . . . . #autism #autismismysuperpower #autismadvocate #asd #autismnutrition #autismparent #autismfamily #pickyeaters #autismspectrumdisorder #spd #autismawareness #peanuts #peas #protein #severepickyeating #specialneedsparents #autismlife #sensoryprocessingdisorder #pickyeatingtips #feedingtherapy #autismnutritionist #pickyeaterproblems #autismdiet #sensorykid #spectrum_inspired #autismworld #arfid

Another tip from one of my amazing clients! ⠀⠀ Her son used to love beans. ⠀⠀ Now he doesn’t. ⠀⠀ We decided she should reintroduce them at dinner one night. ⠀⠀ Her son wasn’t ready to eat them. ⠀⠀ But her husband showed him how to mash the beans with his finger. ⠀⠀ Guess what? He mashed them! ⠀⠀ Touching food increases comfort and is an early step to eating, so I’m so proud of this little guy! ⠀⠀ He’ll eat beans again eventually, I know it! 
Want some more simple and EFFECTIVE tips to help your child try new foods? Grab a copy of your ebook - link in bio! (It’s not just for kids with ASD!) . . . . . #autism #autismismysuperpower #autismadvocate #asd #autismnutrition #autismparent #autismfamily #pickyeaters #autismspectrumdisorder #spd #autismawareness #severepickyeating #specialneedsparents #autismlife #sensoryprocessingdisorder #pickyeatingtips #feedingtherapy #autismnutritionist #bakedbeans #pickyeaterproblems #autismdiet #sensorykid #spectrum_inspired #autismworld #arfid

This made me laugh! ⠀⠀ Does anyone relate? ⠀⠀ Wishing everyone a tasty and happy Thanksgiving! Thanks @crafty_morning for this graphic!! Don’t forget your free picky eating guide in bio! . . . . . #autism #autismismysuperpower #autismadvocate #asd #autismnutrition #autismparent #autismfamily #pickyeaters #autismspectrumdisorder #spd #autismawareness #severepickyeating #specialneedsparents #autismlife #sensoryprocessingdisorder #pickyeatingtips #feedingtherapy #autismnutritionist #thanksgiving #pickyeaterproblems #autismdiet #sensorykid #spectrum_inspired #arfid #sensoryseeker

"This is Shayla. She’s 8 and was diagnosed with #autism just shy of her 3rd birthday. She’s a bundle of joy who loves to laugh and can somehow get away with anything by simply wrapping her tiny arms around you and drawing you in for one of the warmest hugs you will ever receive. When Shayla regressed and lost her ability to communicate with words, we thought we lost our little girl, but she proved us wrong for sure. She has a personality that is larger than life and never lets anything limit her. She’s strong and determined! Our world is certainly brighter and better because of her.” @shaylasvoice #LightItUpBlue

"This is my son, Korbin Cherry. He was diagnosed with #autism at the age of two. He can be very shy around new people but when he warms up, he’s the sweetest boy ever. He loves playing at the park with his big sister and loves spending time with mommy and daddy. He LOVES watching the movie 'Toy Story.' His favorite character is Buzz Lightyear. He also loves to dance and jump on mommy’s couch. He’s currently in speech therapy and will be attending a school for kids who have autism-like him. I’m so proud of him and his growth he’s made in so little time." @britncook_ #LightItUpBlue

"My name is Jeff and I’m going to be 40 soon. About 5 years ago I was diagnosed on the autism spectrum. I always knew there was something different about me growing up. Social situations have always been overwhelming and difficult. I’m grateful to find out about my #autism. It has taught me so much and has explained so many unanswered questions about myself. I know that I am a little different (atypical), but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’m fortunate to have a therapist who can give me advice for the challenging world of communication. Fitness and nutrition are my passion! Exercising is my outlet to relieve daily anxiety and the racing thoughts I struggle with every day. I tell myself to smile more, so I’m not always misunderstood by people." @jeffep342

"Jacob was diagnosed with autism at 6. We saw signs around 3.5 (he had a severe speech delay and did some things like arm flapping or what I now know are meltdowns). He is fortunate enough to be attending school in the building where I teach in autistic support. He started in life skills and that wasn't a good fit so 4 weeks into the year I requested he be moved and his IEP reevaluated. I don't think a lot of parents realize how much of a voice they have and should use inside the school systems. He's been excelling ever since. He started off scripting and not answering questions or responding to his name. Now at 8, he is beginning to communicate in simplistic sentences. We have goals we are working on like being able to walk through a grocery store and not ride in the cart. We are working on increased independence. We still have potty training issues. Despite everything, I think I'm a calmer more relaxed parent and we've learned so much from him. We know he was a blessing from God and we're grateful we are his parents to help guide him on this journey." - @heyteachingandfarming

Don't forget you still have time to nominate someone to win a box valued at over $400 Read Dawn's nomination "What a HUGE blessing our daughter's Physical Therapist, Mrs. Christy Colagross (with ACE Pediatric Therapy), has been to our entire family! In the midst of walking through this new journey in the life of autism, Christy has time and time again not only helped our precious daughter, Melody, but has coached us in helping her throughout the week. "Mrs. Christy" loves her patients and as my husband very succinctly said, "She's firm but kind." Our daughter has made so much progress and Christy is also available in between sessions to answer questions or even lend a listening ear. Her professionalism and years of experience have only increased her compassion and dedication to helping not only her clients but the entire family and world around them. I will forever be indebted to this wonderful woman! I thank God for her!" GO CHRISTY & MELODY!!! Often caregivers get overlooked and we at AHA want to change that. Here are the rules to submit a nomination: Comment on this post with 100 words or less (explain the reason this person deserves this) and add an optional photo of who you want to nominate. We will be sharing your stories and photos throughout the rest of the year. Please know by posting your photos and stories in our thread, you are agreeing to have them shared by us. or Submit 100 word or less and an optional photo of who you’re nominating and why to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We will announce the winners on December 31st, 2019 This Giveaways is open to the continental US & Puerto Rico. Our VERY generous partners at Probulin will be covering the shipping costs in honor of #GivingTuesday This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or associated with Facebook or Instagram Also, HUGE shoutout to our partners at @Probulin for making this possible! They have also generously given us an exclusive coupon for 25% off and free shipping!!! Use code AHA25FS #Autism #AHA #AutismHope #Hope #GivingTuesday #AutismHopeAlliance

#GivingTuesday Giveaway is well underway. Does your kiddo, regardless of their age, have a superhero caregiver that means the world to them? Maybe its a teacher, mom, uncle, sibling, or someone else. Tell us below who they are, what makes them a superhero and they might just win a care package from us, filled with awesome products from our partners valued at over $400. Often caregivers get overlooked and we at AHA want to change that. Here are the rules to submit a nomination: Comment on this post with 100 words or less (explain the reason this person deserves this) and add an optional photo of who you want to nominate. We will be sharing your stories and photos throughout the rest of the year. Please know by posting your photos and stories in our thread, you are agreeing to have them shared by us. or Submit 100 word or less and an optional photo of who you’re nominating and why to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We will announce the winners on December 31st, 2019 This Giveaways is open to the continental US & Puerto Rico. Our VERY generous partners at Probulin will be covering the shipping costs in honor of #GivingTuesday This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or associated with Facebook or Instagram Also, HUGE shoutout to our partners at @Probulin for making this possible! They have also generously given us an exclusive coupon for 25% off and free shipping!!! Use code AHA25FS

❤️ HAPPY GIVING TUESDAY!!❤️ We are asking ALL to PLEDGE $59 to AHA to represent the 1 in 59 children that are diagnosed with Autism. For your $59 you will get to choose a gift valued at over $400 in products from a variety of our partners. We thank you for standing up with us and being the voice of so many of our kiddos. #Pledge59 Now (campaign runs through 12/31) https://autismhopealliance.org/giving-tuesday/ *Shipping to US (including PR) #Autism #AHA #AutismHope #autismhopealliance #givingtuesday

Angie says about who she nominates (nominate someone you know below too for a chance at a $400 care package) “Our son's teacher, Colleen Ayling, is beyond amazing. She is a dedicated professional who spends countless hours outside of the classroom brainstorming and creating things for her classroom that meet the unique needs of each of her students. She's able to do this successfully while also exposing each student to their grade's curriculum. However, the thing that meant the most to our family was that she took time over the summer to spend a few hours visiting our son at our home when he was struggling. She sees and nurtures our son's potential and we are forever grateful!” Let’s hear it for Colleen! Often caregivers get overlooked and we at AHA want to change that. Here are the rules to submit a nomination: Comment on this post with 100 words or less (explain the reason this person deserves this) and add an optional photo of who you want to nominate. We will be sharing your stories and photos throughout the rest of the year. Please know by posting your photos and stories in our thread, you are agreeing to have them shared by us. or Submit 100 word or less and an optional photo of who you’re nominating and why to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We will announce the winners on December 31st, 2019 This Giveaways is open to the continental US & Puerto Rico. Our VERY generous partners at @probulin will be covering the shipping costs in honor of #GivingTuesday This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or associated with Facebook or Instagram Also, HUGE shoutout to our partners at Probulin for making this possible! They have also generously given us an exclusive coupon for 25% off and free shipping!!! Use code AHA25FS