What? Me Finicky?

Thoughts During Autism Acceptance Month.

I often think about how many people on the autism spectrum are exceptionally finicky eaters. The Lu is no exception. 

Over the years, her teachers, aides, and her behavioral therapist have worked with Lulu to get her to try different things. Even Annie would model and encourage the eating of new foods to show Lulu that something was yummy or wasn't too hot. That would only work occasionally, and usually only in those situations (just at school or just during therapy). 

Lately, though, she has been branching out and trying new (and sometimes forgotten) foods and textures. Lulu will now eat pizza, chicken, ham, sweet potatoes, and scrambled eggs, and even brussels sprouts, among other things. Even better yet, she eats them at school, at home or out at restaurants.   

These may seem like trivial things, but they're huge to me. Crossover of skills from situation to situation is difficult for many on the spectrum, and I consider every new food tried to be a major breakthrough! Go Lulu!