Engaging Jess in Meal Planning - Autism, Food, and Texture Issues

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Jess is 33 years old, autistic and blind. I try to involve Jess in meal planning as much as possible. It helps me to know what she's got on her mind, and what she's in the mood for. It gives me ideas. Mostly, engaging Jess in the meal planning process gives her ownership and encourages cooperation at meal time. As Jessica's mother, I have been openly criticized many times for what people think they know about Jessica's nutrition. Firstly, as often happens, these critics assume that what they see Jess eating on social media is the extent of her diet. Secondly, they also assume it is as simple as me offering Jessica their suggested version of a healthy diet. Jess is autistic and has had sensory and texture issues her whole life. These sensory issues are not limited to her external sense of touch, but also her inner, as in mouth & tongue, sense of touch. Even so, as she has aged, we have been able to continually add new foods, though not necessarily new textures, to her list of approved items.

If you listen to the video, you may notice that we did not discuss fruit. There's a reason. Jess doesn't eat fruit (unless it's banana in banana pudding, apple in apple pie, strawberries in strawberry shortcake, etc.) Jess will eat raisins. That's pretty much it. Jess also doesn't eat leafy greens, except when I occasionally sneak them into baked or stir-fried foods. Actually, Jess doesn't eat uncooked veggies at all. Jess doesn't cold food unless it is dessert. Ice cream isn't even her favorite. Jess doesn't eat sandwiches, sandwich bread, uncooked cheese, yogurt, and the list goes on and on.

My hope is that this video helps show several things, including Jessica's willingness and desire to eat some veggies. Part of our process intentionally involves me repeatedly taking the opportunity to ask for healthy food suggestions, which in the past has opened up conversations about what they means and why it's important.

I use Instacart to order our groceries. They have a program where members can share a link for $10 off of a new order - with a limit of 5. One has been used so there are only 4 left. Disclosure - for each one that is used, I also get $10 off of my next order. If you'd like the link, let me know in the comments below.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND US:

BLOG: https://autisticinterpretations.com
INSTAGRAM:   / autistic_interpretations  
MERCH: https://goodpoochbadpooch.com/categor...
ADDRESS: Autistic Interpretations
PO Box 28025
Chattanooga, TN 37424

Jess is 33-years-old, autistic, and blind. Her favorite topics of conversation include getting a new dog, her friend Keely, her Aunt Sue, and cousin Donna. Jess collects CD’s of children’s music, cards, coloring books, and has a small collection of used up disposable cameras that she refuses to get developed. Favorite health foods include chicken and rice, chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, chicken biscuits, pepperoni pizza, and hash brown potatoes. Jess has naturally curly hair that she would rather not ever comb, brush, or cut.

Jessica’s multiple disabilities stem from brain damage that occurred in-utero, and from hydrocephalus. In addition to autism and blindness, Jess also has minor fine motor and gross motor deficits.