2.7 Outline how sensory differences may have an influence on an individual’s dietary preferences

This guide will help you with answers for NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism 2.7 Outline how sensory differences may have an influence on an individual’s dietary preferences.

As a support worker, understanding how sensory differences related to autism can influence dietary preferences is important. By grasping how sensory experiences affect eating habits, you can better support individuals with autism in making nutritious and enjoyable food choices.

Awareness of Sensory Differences

What Are Sensory Differences?

Sensory differences, also known as sensory processing differences, refer to how individuals perceive and react to sensory information. This information includes sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. People with autism often experience sensory information more intensely or less intensely than neurotypical individuals.

Types of Sensory Differences

People with autism may experience:

• Hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness): Experiencing stimuli more intensely. For example, a sound might be overwhelmingly loud.
• Hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness): Experiencing stimuli less intensely. For instance, not feeling a light touch.

These sensory differences can actually influence dietary preferences.

Impact on Dietary Preferences

Taste Sensitivity

Taste sensitivity varies among individuals with autism. Some may find certain flavours overwhelming or off-putting. For example:

• Hypersensitive: May avoid spicy, bitter, or strong-flavoured foods as these can be too intense.
• Hyposensitive: May seek out strong and spicy foods to achieve sensory satisfaction.

Texture Sensitivity

The texture of food plays an important role in dietary choices. Sensory differences can lead to preferences for certain textures:

• Hypersensitive: May prefer smooth, soft textures like mashed potatoes or yoghurt, avoiding crunchy or mixed-texture foods.
• Hyposensitive: May enjoy foods with varied or strong textures, like crunchy crisps or chewy meat.

Smell Sensitivity

Strong smells can be either appealing or repelling for individuals with autism:

• Hypersensitive: May avoid pungent foods, such as garlic or fish.
• Hyposensitive: Might be indifferent to or even seek out strong-smelling foods.

Visual Sensitivity

Colour and appearance of food can also affect dietary preferences:

• Hypersensitive: Might be put off by brightly coloured or unusually presented foods.
• Hyposensitive: Could be less bothered by visual elements and more focused on taste and texture.

Sound Sensitivity

The sounds associated with eating can be disturbing for some individuals:

• Hypersensitive: May avoid noisy environments or foods that create loud sounds when chewed, like crisps.
• Hyposensitive: Less likely to be disturbed by eating noises, might even prefer crispy and noisy foods.

Ways to Support Dietary Preferences

Offering a Range of Options

Providing a variety of foods that cater to different sensory preferences can help:

• Include both intense and mild flavours.
• Offer a variety of textures, from smooth to crunchy.
• Present foods with different visual appeals.

Gradual Introduction

Introducing new foods gradually can help individuals adjust to new sensory experiences:

• Start with small amounts.
• Combine new foods with familiar favourites.
• Encourage but do not force trying new foods.

Sensory-Friendly Eating Environment

Creating a comfortable eating environment can make a big difference:

• For hypersensitive individuals: reduce strong smells, sounds, and intense visual stimuli.
• For hyposensitive individuals: provide stimulating foods and environments, but ensure they are still conducive to healthy eating.

Collaboration with Specialists

Working with dieticians, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists can provide additional strategies and support.

Practical Tips for Supporting Dietary Preferences

Communication

• Observe and Ask: Pay attention to food reactions and preferences. Ask individuals about their likes and dislikes.
• Use Visual Aids: Use pictures or sensory stories to help individuals understand and express their preferences.

Texture Modification

• Modify food textures if necessary. For example:
• Puree fruits and vegetables for a smoother texture.
• Cook vegetables until soft if crunchy textures are an issue.

Consistent and Predictable Meals

• Maintain a routine to make mealtimes predictable and reassuring.
• Serve familiar foods regularly, but introduce new things alongside them gradually.

Positive Reinforcement

• Use positive reinforcement to encourage trying new foods.
• Celebrate small successes without pressuring the individual.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how sensory differences influence dietary preferences helps you support individuals with autism more effectively. These sensory processing differences can affect tastes, textures, smells, looks, and sounds associated with food. By offering a range of food options, creating a supportive environment, and introducing new foods gradually, you can help individuals with autism enjoy their meals and maintain a healthy diet.

As a support worker, your role is to observe, understand, and respond to these sensory preferences, always aiming to make mealtimes a positive experience. Working closely with other professionals can further enhance your ability to support individuals in this way.

Remember, every individual with autism is unique. Their sensory experiences and dietary preferences will vary. Always tailor your approach to meet the specific needs and preferences of the person you support.

Example answers for unit 2.7 Outline how sensory differences may have an influence on an individual’s dietary preferences

Example 1:
As a support worker, I’ve noticed that many individuals with autism have specific sensory processing differences that can influence their dietary preferences. One of the young adults I support is hypersensitive to textures. He avoids foods with mixed textures, like vegetable soups or fruit salads, because the varying textures make him uncomfortable. Instead, he prefers smooth and consistent textures like mashed potatoes and yoghurt, which he finds easier to manage.

Example 2:
In my experience, some individuals with autism are hypersensitive to strong smells, which can actually impact their food choices. One of the girls I work with refuses to eat foods with strong odours, such as fish or garlic-based dishes. The smell alone can cause her to feel nauseous. To support her, we stick to mild-smelling foods like plain chicken or steamed vegetables, as these are more acceptable to her sensory preferences.

Example 3:
I’ve worked with a teenager diagnosed with autism who shows hyposensitivity to tastes. He often seeks out spicy and strong-flavoured foods because milder foods do not provide enough sensory input for him. For instance, he loves adding hot sauce to almost everything he eats. Recognising his need for stronger flavours, we ensure meals are prepared with a bit more seasoning while also maintaining a balanced diet.

Example 4:
Visual sensitivity is another sensory difference that can influence dietary preferences. One child I support is highly sensitive to the appearance of food. He will only eat foods that look familiar and are presented in a certain way. For example, he prefers plain-looking foods and rejects anything with mixed colours or unusual shapes. To help him, we serve meals simply and avoid any food presentations that might seem too visually stimulating.

Example 5:
Sound sensitivity also plays a role in dietary choices for individuals with autism. One of the young adults I support becomes very uncomfortable with the sounds of crunchy foods like crisps or carrots. The noise can be so distressing that he avoids these foods altogether. We accommodate his needs by providing alternatives with less sound impact, such as soft snacks or steamed vegetables.

Example 6:
In cases of hyposensitivity to textures, I’ve found that some individuals with autism enjoy more complex and varied food textures. One person I support loves foods that are crunchy or chewy because they provide the sensory input he seeks. He particularly enjoys snacking on apples and beef jerky. To support his dietary needs, we ensure that he has access to a variety of textured foods while also encouraging him to try new, healthy options.