Food selectivity is common in autism, and it can turn mealtimes into stress times. This short case story shows how our team used an assent-based, stepwise approach to help one learner expand their menu. It’s one example. It’s also a model we’re working to replicate because families ask about this every day.
“At the start, our learner had a very limited menu and said ‘no thanks’ to new textures. We set a stepwise ladder and let the child help choose which targets to try first. Sessions were brief, upbeat, and included plenty of breaks.
What changed: Over about ten months, the learner met targets across multiple foods and eventually added seven new foods to their regular menu. Mealtimes became calmer, and parents reported less stress around grocery shopping and school lunches.”
This is a single-case example. We replicate successful approaches across centers to understand when and for whom they work best.
This chart tracks the cumulative number of new foods a learner accepted over a ten-month period using an assent-based, stepwise feeding approach. Each increase represents a newly accepted food following gradual, child-led steps designed to build comfort and participation. The pattern shows how progress can accumulate steadily when pace respects the learner’s assent.
We tune in to the child’s “yes/no” signals and pace to comfort. The goal is participation with buy-in, not compliance.
We break “try a new food” into tiny, doable steps—look, touch, smell, kiss, lick, micro-bites, small bites, typical bites—so momentum can build.
Short, upbeat practice with plenty of breaks and choices. Preferred foods or activities stay nearby to keep things positive.
No. We shape, we pair, and we honor assent. Comfort and safety come first.
It varies. In one case, a learner added seven new foods over ~10 months with a stepwise plan. That’s a single example; we’re working to replicate and learn who benefits most.
Clear, simple targets show which steps a child has mastered by food and texture. Families can see micro-wins adding up.
That’s the goal. We watch for generalization and share simple ways to practice, so gains stick beyond session time.
No. Every child’s path is unique. We share examples to illustrate the approach, not to promise specific outcomes.
Steps and targets are personalized by sensory profile and medical guidance for safe, respectful progress.
Families: connect with our Intake Team. Clinicians: explore research-friendly roles and mentorship through PEBBL.
