What I packed my autistic son for lunch today 😋

Finding the perfect lunch for an autistic child can often feel like a daily quest, especially when you're battling picky eating. I completely understand the frustration that comes with preparing a meal, only for it to be rejected. But trust me, there's hope! Just like the original post mentioned, 'Patience & Consistency is KEY.' I've seen it firsthand with my own son. A big part of our journey has been slowly introducing new foods. It’s not about forcing, but about gentle exposure. For example, my son absolutely loves his Homemade Chili, especially when it’s packed warm in a thermos. It’s comforting and a familiar texture. We often pair it with Oyster Crackers for a satisfying crunch, which he enjoys. Sometimes, to introduce something new, I'll put just a tiny piece of a new vegetable next to his chili, without any pressure to eat it. The goal is familiarity, not immediate consumption. Another strategy that's worked wonders for us is involving him in the kitchen. Even simple tasks like washing the Apple or peeling a Banana can make them more invested in the food. Baking together, like making Corn Bread Muffins, can also be a fantastic way to explore ingredients and textures without the pressure of eating. The pride he takes in helping often translates to being more open to trying what we've made. When planning lunches, I try to think about a mix of familiar favorites and small, manageable new additions. For his ABA Therapy days, I know he needs something nutritious and comforting. Beyond chili, some other autism-friendly lunch ideas we rotate include: Deconstructed Sandwiches: Instead of a full sandwich, I'll pack bread slices, a slice of turkey or cheese, and let him assemble it. This gives him control. Pasta Salad: Made with his favorite pasta shapes, a light dressing, and finely diced veggies he tolerates. Mini Pizzas: Using whole wheat pitas as a base, with a little sauce and cheese. He loves helping to sprinkle the cheese! Snack Boxes: A variety of small items like cheese cubes, whole-grain crackers, cucumber slices, grapes, and maybe some safe protein like edamame. Texture and temperature are huge for my son. He prefers his fruits like Orange, Apple, and Banana to be cool but not ice-cold. And anything crunchy is usually a hit. I also try to make sure his lunchbox is easy for him to open and access during his therapy sessions. Sometimes, just having a spoon ready for his chili makes a world of difference. Remember, progress isn't always linear. Some days he'll eat everything, and other days, barely anything. The key is to celebrate the small victories and keep offering a variety of nutritious options. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and every step, no matter how small, is a step forward in expanding their palate and fostering a positive relationship with food.