Help is needed with an autistic toddler.

1. 83

   pstraubie48posted 11 years ago

   Help is needed with an autistic toddler.
   
   When a toddler is losing weight drastically because he does eat much of anything, what do you suggest, Mom's of autistic children? He loves salty food but only very limited foods. He won't drink milk any more and that is how he got his protein as we put protein supplement in it. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

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2. 71

   Anaydenaposted 11 years ago

   okay excuse any grammatical error because I am on my phone. my son is autistic and I have written several hubs about autism, I don't claim to be an expert but I do know a lot during I studied on it because of my son.
   
   first off cut out the milk. some autistic kids has abdominal problems and milk contributes to that. unfortunately having an autistic child that you want to get better requires money. because you need to start buying healthier foods. casein free and gluten free foods are the  for helping your autistic child. every child is different but I will say that once I took my son off of milk, a week later he actually said a few words to me.
   
   unfortunately every child is different, especially with autistic children, no two autistic children all the same. Meaning what works for one might not get the same results for the other. for me I had to feed my son, he did not want to eat by himself but then I grew up. my son is now 6 years old and he can feed himself. so many parents of autistic children get into the office to check out because they don't want to hear the crying, see the meltdowns, or even deal with them.
   
   for me that is why I can control my son. I say no and he listens. he feeds himself. because I don't take no bull crap (excuse my language). you have to find out what works for yours. if you keep giving him salty things that help develop have cholesterol, that's autism with diabetes. unfortunately I can't tell you anything concrete but just try trial and error. it may take a week it may take a month but I'll talk to kids also need repetition, so maybe for the rest of his life all you want is . feed him chicken. its hard trying to get an autistic child to try something new but once they do and they like it will continue to want to do it.
   
   I use to fight with my son, everyday to eat. only want with applesauce and nothing else. I thought I only just started popping stuff into his mouth I want to taste it he want more, even though he spit it out. he spit it out because it wasn't apple sauce, but after you stop fighting and just accepted the food, he enjoyed it. Then he just couldn't get enough lol
   
   Good luck!

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3. 64

   artist101posted 11 years ago

   
   
   I am not a doctor, I can only suggest the information I have found from years of research.
   The doctor on ADHD, and autism is Dr Block. Her daughter had the same problems. In her quest to help her child she obtained her degree, and went on to help contless others. Her book, and website can be found in my article http://artist101.hubpages.com/hub/How-t … -naturally
   A renowned physician in her field.
   Among her recommendations include magnesium, fish oil, and b6. If your toddler won't eat maybe a gummy vit would help. Vitamins increase appetite, thereby increasing consumption. Try another food, if its salty try a protein, peanut butter, or anything, they will eat.
   Other rtecommendations include probiotics to get the gut aligned, as explained in this you tube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVUJ7mQmM0Q
   A chilling reason for this growing epidemic illness
   http://www.amazon.com/dp/1575661268/ref … 44ADQ666NF

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   1. 68

      Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      artist101, I visited the link of 'A chilling reason for this growing epidemic illness' and would highly suggest that anyone interested read all the reviews, as many present sound arguments against the author's credibility.

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   2. 64

      artist101posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The controversy was around Thermasol, a preservative in vaccines, mercury. They have removed it from most of them. Read "shot in the dark."  I have a friend whose son developed issues after too many shots were administered at one time. Chilling

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   3. 68

      Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It is chilling indeed what happens in the name of medical science. My wife, Kati, is a nurse and we are presently in Germany. She could not continue working in so un-natural, unthinking and inhumane a system as the rehab clinic here!

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   4. 64

      artist101posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I am so sorry. The regulatory commissions were put into place to "regulate" meds, treatments and so forth. So, how could this be? I am not naive, but the first oath is 'DO NO HARM"

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   5. 68

      Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Well, I don't have the answer, or even a fully rounded view of the subject. What I observe is that the profit motive covers grave misapplications & people overlook what really is going on. Misjudgments are made under the high stress of the indust

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   6. 64

      artist101posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Well said!!

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4. 71

   Abby Campbellposted 11 years ago

   I'm a mother of an adult autistic daughter. She is now 25, but I had lots of issues with her when she was growing up. Like Anaydena mentioned, autistic children should be on a lactose and gluten free diet. Gluten creates chemical reactions in the brain that cause more symptoms and can lead to other neuro-psychological issues (i.e., schizophrenia).
   
   With that being said, I know how difficult it is to "make" your child eat when he is a toddler. My doctor has always said that children won't starve themselves. When he's hungry, he will eat. However, if he doesn't, you may want to consult with your physician because there can be something neurological going on to where the brain isn't registering "hunger." When my daughter was in her early teens to early 20s, she went through roller coasters of not eating and gorging. It wasn't something that she could control but was a chemical imbalance. So, if you feel your son's non-appetite is not normal, please consult with his physician as you don't want him to be malnourished.
   
   But, I would try replacing regular milk with almond or coconut milk. The pure form won't be as sweet as milk, but you can buy varieties that are vanilla or chocolate in flavor. As far as protein, try different things. Fish is easy to chew and swallow, and there is a variety so you can try different ones to see which he likes. Eggs are a great source of protein as well. In fact, they provide the perfect protein.
   
   Good luck with everything! :-)

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      artist101posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great comments, and advice. voted up.

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5. 78

   SoundNFuryposted 11 years ago

   My son is almost two and though we don't have a specific diagnosis yet, it has been suggested that he is autistic.  Among many other developmental milestones, he was not gaining weight the way an infant should, and was very skinny.  As he didn't take to solid food (and still hasn't), feeding him formula was simply not enough.  So his doctor prescribed him Pediasure, which is liquid but very high protein.  And it has worked well, he put on the weight that he had been losing and is a much more healthy weight now.  You may want to look into getting a prescription for Pediasure as an option.  It is very expensive but available everywhere.

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6. 60

   MelissaBarrettposted 11 years ago

   Only a few suggestions and I hope they work...
   
   Ensure makes a pudding that even my "I won't eat anything" child ate.  It will help with his protein... and you can even add a bit more powder to it as well (we hid his powdered meds in it).
   
   This sounds really crazy, but don't have him eat the food... have him "kiss" (like a kiss on the cheek) it. It sounds like he's a bit orally defensive, so by having him kiss it, it's not an outright sensory attack... but he will get a bit of the taste. Maybe enough for him to like it.
   
   If he loves salty, try beef jerky and slim jims... if he eats them invest in a food dehydrator and make your own jerky(healthier).  A bonus to that is if he gets used to the jerky texture, you might be able to squeeze past some dried fruits/vegetable.
   
   The very last thing I'd suggest is spreading a bit of baby food meat over any crackers/potato chips/bread (really any spreadable surface. Just a touch to start then work up slowly.  It'll get a bit of extra protein in him... just remember sneaky.
   
   Last suggestion... if your local medical center has a feeding clinic or there is a feeding clinic in your area, they are actually AMAZING resources.  If not then most speech therapists have some experience with feeding issues/oral defensiveness.

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7. 68

   Emanate Presenceposted 11 years ago

   This subject is of interest to me because my wife and I were house-parents for a young man with autism spectrum disorder.
   
   I haven't anything to add to the contributions made by all, and just stand on the sidelines and cheer that so many responded with real help and real heart. I will check some of the links provided. Thank you.

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8. 60

   beatmakersnetposted 11 years ago

   I wish you all the best of luck with your toddler!

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