For a lot of people, with autism or not, new things are a trial by fire. One of the biggest changes in a child’s life is that of being willing to try new foods. Many children, me included, become rigid in their likes and hates and will often flat-out refuse or even throw temper tantrums at being asked to try a new vegetable, sauce, or even something like a different kind of soda.
It doesn’t matter if it’s trying to get Brandon to try squash at Thanksgiving, Missy to sample green beans at Passover, or even getting Billy Joe Tompkins to just accept grape juice instead of apple at the family Christmas dinner, if a child feels threatened by a new food, they could end up kicking and screaming while all the relatives are wondering if this is the kind of situation that happens on a daily basis, and if Child Protective Services should be involved.
I won’t lie in that I too was guilty of such incidents…granted not at holiday meals. Even with autism, I had the wherewithall and knowledge not to start whining while Aunt Robin and Uncle Mickey were trying to talk about the Wenston account. For me, one notable incident was when my mom asked me try ravioli instead of curly noodles (which I know now is actually vermicelli…at least I think that’s the name). Until that point, curly noodles were one of the few foods I would even touch, so I threw a HUGE hissy-fit. Before any readers think this is recent…I want to point out I was 8 years old when I did this. Nowadays, I’m more than willing to try new foods.
Eventually, I agreed to taste the ravioli…and since then it’s become one of my favorite foods. I know there’s other instances, but I’ve done my best to block them out of my memory.
If you want to try a new food with your child, waiting until a big gathering may not be exactly the best idea. I know it’s to try and show how willing your child is with new foods and situations, but it’s basically a coin toss if it’ll work. Ideally, it’s better to try them in private, explain to your child what the food IS, even maybe offer an incentive like ice cream or money if they try it without crying. I know you’re gonna say that’s bribery…but when you’re 8, nothing gets you to cooperate like the promise of a pint of Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. But DON’T resort to this for every single first try… use it sparingly. Otherwise your child is going to assume that they’ll get rewarded EVERY time they try something new. Not to say that it shouldn’t be used from time to time to keep them on their toes. 😉 But above all…
DON’T EVER YELL OR THREATEN THE CHILD WITH PUNISHMENT FOR NOT TRYING IT! This will only make them more resistant and COULD even make them grow afraid of YOU.
With this information, now maybe you can take Timmy to Aunt Bertha’s house for Christmas Eve Dinner and not be so upset if he’s reluctant to try that brisket. All in all, just take your time and soon your child will be a food expert like me.
Check out these related blog posts
“Gazing at the Paper Sun” by Josh
Holiday Meals and Your Picky Eater
From Josh: First Day at a Blue School
Meet my brother, Josh
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