Autism & Nutrition: Supporting Autistic Adults Through Food & Choice

April 2nd marks World Autism Awareness Day, a day that shines a light on the diverse experiences and strengths of autistic people. As an NDIS-registered dietitian, I work closely with autistic adults and support coordinators to develop nutrition strategies that align with each person’s unique needs, preferences, and autonomy. While nutrition is important for everyone, many autistic individuals face specific challenges around food—from sensory sensitivities to nutrient deficiencies. With the right support, food can become something that supports health, confidence, and enjoyment.

Understanding Autism & Food Challenges

Autistic individuals often experience food-related challenges that can impact their overall nutrition and relationship with food. Some of the most common include:

• Sensory Sensitivities & Food Preferences – Taste, texture, smell, and even the colour of foods can impact what feels comfortable or safe to eat.
• Rigid Eating Patterns – Preference for familiar foods or difficulty trying new foods can limit dietary variety.
• Nutrient Deficiencies – Limited food choices may lead to inadequate intake of key nutrients, including iron, omega-3s, and fibre.
• Executive Function Challenges – Meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking can feel overwhelming without structured support.

Everyone’s relationship with food is different, and these challenges will look different from person to person. My job is to take a personalised approach and meet people where they’re at.

Sensory Sensitivities & Food Preferences

Many autistic individuals experience heightened sensitivity to textures, flavours, temperatures, and smells. This can mean strong aversions to certain foods or a preference for specific food characteristics. I never force food changes—instead, I focus on working with preferences, not against them, and finding gentle ways to broaden what’s possible.

Some strategies I use include:

• Gradually introducing new foods with similar textures or flavours to familiar favourites.
• Preparing foods in different ways (e.g., roasting instead of steaming for a crunchier texture).
• Using food chaining—a method that bridges the gap between accepted and new foods.
• Encouraging autonomy by involving the individual in choosing and preparing meals.

Managing Nutrient Deficiencies

Due to limited food variety, some autistic individuals may not get enough key nutrients. Common concerns include:

• Iron – Found in red meat, fortified cereals, legumes, and leafy greens. Some may benefit from pairing plant-based iron sources with vitamin C-rich foods to enhance absorption.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Essential for brain function and found in fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, and algae-based supplements.
• Fibre – Important for gut health and digestion. Can be incorporated through fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in a way that suits sensory preferences.

Rather than jumping straight to big changes, I focus on small, realistic shifts that fit within an individual’s comfort zone.

Meal Planning & Expanding Diet Variety

Planning meals can feel overwhelming, especially for those who struggle with executive function. To reduce stress, I work with individuals to develop strategies that work for them, not just what looks good on paper.

Support might include:

• Creating visual meal guides to simplify planning.
• Developing structured meal routines that accommodate preferences while gradually increasing variety.
• Breaking tasks into small, manageable steps (e.g., prepping ingredients ahead of time).
• Offering supermarket tours to help navigate food choices with confidence.
• Teaching basic cooking skills to build independence and confidence.

NDIS Nutrition Support for Autsim: A Personalised Approach

As an NDIS-registered dietitian, I can work with people who are self-managed, plan-managed or NDIS managed. My approach is tailored to the individual, always focused on supporting their goals, preferences, and decision-making.

This might involve:

• One-on-one consultations to create nutrition strategies suited to sensory needs and food preferences.
• Meal planning support that prioritises comfort while gently encouraging variety.
• Supermarket tours and cooking sessions to build practical skills.
• Working with support coordinators and caregivers to create a consistent, team-based approach.

Above all, I help people feel empowered to make choices about food that support their health—without pressure.

Book a Consultation

Nutrition doesn’t need to be overwhelming. If you or someone you support would benefit from guidance, I’m here to help. I offer NDIS-funded nutrition support for autistic adults and those working alongside them. Book a consultation and let’s work together to build something that feels manageable, flexible, and just right for you.

References

1. Dietary Supplementation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Common, Insufficient, and Excessive, 2015.
2. Sensory processing and eating behaviours in autism: A systematic review, 2022.