The eating habits of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often marked by selectivity and repetition. A symbolic example of this peculiarity is the preference for simple foods, such as “bread with water”, which reflects not only food choices, but also a complex interaction between sensory, behavioral and neurobiological aspects characteristic of autism. This unique eating pattern requires special attention, both to understand its causes and to address its consequences.
What is behind food selectivity?
Studies show that up to 70% of people with ASD have some degree of food selectivity. This characteristic is directly related to sensory sensitivity, a hallmark of the autism spectrum. Textures, flavors, aromas, and even the appearance of food can be perceived in an amplified or aversive way. Thus, foods such as bread and water, which have a predictable texture, neutral flavor, and plain appearance, become a comfortable choice.
Furthermore, the need for routine and aversion to change reinforce this eating behavior. For many autistic people, repeating a specific food is a way to maintain stability and avoid the anxiety that introducing new foods can cause.
Food fixations and well-defined patterns
Another relevant factor is food fixation, a common behavior in ASD, in which the individual demonstrates an intense and lasting preference for certain foods. This explains why some autistic people repeat the same menu for long periods, with choices that often seem unusual or limited.
Foods such as bread or rice are often chosen not only because they are comforting, but also because they are nutritionally neutral and easy to consume. These choices reflect a balance between sensory preferences and the need for predictability.
Health impacts
Although these dietary preferences provide comfort to the individual, they can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Restrictive diets, when maintained for long periods, can cause deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and proteins, which are essential for development and well-being. This concern is highlighted in studies that show a higher incidence of gastrointestinal and metabolic problems in people with ASD.
Still, it is important to emphasize that these food choices should not be seen as “tantrums” or “stubbornness.” These behaviors are rooted in the particularities of the autistic brain and often represent an attempt to deal with sensory and emotional overload.
How to deal with these habits?
The ideal approach to eating habits in autism requires understanding and patience. Strategies such as gradually introducing new foods, respecting sensory preferences, can be effective. For example, introducing new foods that have a texture or taste similar to those already accepted helps to broaden the food repertoire.
Additionally, it is important to work in partnership with nutritionists and occupational therapists, who can help balance nutrition without forcing changes that generate stress. Including healthy foods within the individual’s preferences is more effective than imposing a rigid diet.
Conclusion
The eating habits of autistic people, such as the symbolic preference for “bread and water,” reveal a complex interplay between sensory sensitivity, behavior, and neurobiology. Respecting these patterns while gradually seeking to expand the variety of foods consumed is essential to promoting well-being and health. More than understanding the challenges, it is necessary to adopt an empathetic and adapted approach, recognizing that, in autism, even food choices tell a unique story about how each individual perceives and interacts with the world.
