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Find an autism dietitian in Ontario

Make Mealtime Easier: Nutrition Support for Autism

How does autism and nutrition go hand-in-hand?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often comes with unique eating patterns and food preferences that can make mealtimes never-ending battles.

Many children with autism experience:

  • Sensitivities to textures, temperatures, or flavours that narrow food options
  • Picky eating or strong food aversions that affect your child’s nutrition
  • Gastrointestinal issues like constipation or digestive discomfort

Without personalized guidance, these can lead to nutrient deficiencies, failure to thrive, weight concerns, or even disordered eating patterns.

little girl black hair eating veggies

If you're supporting your child with autism, you might be wondering...

Food selectivity is incredibly common in children with autism, and forcing new foods can actually increase resistance and distress. Our autism nutrition specialists understand that sensory sensitivities, need for routine, and texture preferences are valid neurological differences, not behavioral problems. We use gentle, systematic approaches that respect your child’s sensory needs while gradually introducing variety through safe exploration methods that don’t overwhelm their nervous system.

This is one of the biggest worries parents have, and it’s completely understandable. Our Ontario Dietitians conduct thorough nutritional assessments to identify any gaps and provide targeted strategies to boost nutrition within your child’s accepted foods. We help you understand which nutrients to prioritize, when supplements might be helpful, and how to optimize the foods your child already eats rather than focusing on what they won’t eat.

Digestive problems are very common in children with autism: they’re nearly 4 times more likely to have digestive symptoms, with constipation being the most frequent issue. Our Ontario Dietitians have specific expertise in managing constipation and other GI concerns in children with autism. We provide evidence-based strategies that consider both the physiological and behavioural aspects of digestive health, working closely with your medical team when needed.

Eating away from home can be particularly challenging for children with autism due to changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, and different food options. Our specialists help you develop portable strategies for school lunches, restaurants, family gatherings, and social events. We provide practical tools for maintaining your child’s nutrition and comfort while building flexibility for real-world eating situations without causing unnecessary stress.

How Ontario Dietitians can help

Our goal as registered dietitians who specialize in autism nutrition is to empower your family with personalized, compassionate, evidence-based support.

bc dietitian providing an individual nutrition consultation to a client

Make mealtimes a win-win

  • Develop strategies that respect sensory preferences
  • Reduce mealtime stress and frustration
  • Build confidence around food exploration

Address nutritional needs and support healthy growth

  • Identify and address potential nutrient deficiencies
  • Create individualized meal plans that work for your family
  • Manage weight concerns with sensitivity

Resolve digestive issues

  • Address common gastrointestinal problems like constipation
  • Identify potential food sensitivities or intolerances
  • Support overall gut health through nutrition strategies tailored to your child

Support your whole family's relationship with food

  • Provide practical tools and strategies you can use at home
  • Help you understand your child’s unique nutritional needs

Find your autism dietitian

Browse local dietitians with expertise in autism. Each profile includes their specific areas of focus, location, and booking information.

Frequently asked questions

The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) provides funding and services to support children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. Eligibility for dietitian services may vary depending on your child’s needs, funding stream, and current program guidelines.

If you have extended health benefits, your insurance may also cover private dietitian fees. Fill in this form to inquire about direct billing.

Autism dietitians typically have clinical experience working at children’s hospital, feeding teams, child development centers or OT/SLP clinics that treat patients and families with autism. 

These RDs will also partake in continuing education to stay current with the latest research, treatment guidelines, and best practices in autism nutrition.

An autism dietitian can help you and your child with the following: 

  1. expand diet and safe foods using feeding therapy approaches such as SOS and food chaining
  2. address growth and weight concerns appropriately such as failure to thrive or obesity
  3. decrease pressure at mealtimes to decrease frustrations and optimize success to overcome picky eating and food challenges
  4. collaborate with your healthcare team such as SLP, OT or behavioral consultants to optimize eating behaviors and nutrition outcomes
  5. resolve digestive symptoms related to autism and eating habits
  6. get clarity and resolve food allergy and intolerance symptoms
  7. avoid unnecessary food restrictions

We make it easy for your to find a specialized autism dietitian in Ontario. 

Check out the dietitians listed on this page (or jump here), click on their profiles to read more about their qualifications, experience, and services. 

Connect directly with your autism dietitian and get started! 

Need help finding the right autism dietitian?

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