Apples are the only fruit ....

They say that if all else fails, write about what you know.  Well, after struggling with the theme of "How many Apples" this week, I thought it best to tell you a little about eating habits of an Autistic Child. Namely, my son's. Sorry if anyone feels I tend to bang on about him.

Autism brings a myriad of challenges when trying to raise a child. Because the condition affects each child differently in varying degree's of severity it can be a steep learning curve at times. Once you've managed to crack it though, get yourself into a routine, it becomes easier bit by bit.

Joe (my son), is on the milder end of the Autistic Spectrum, but that doesn't mean that there are any less challenging situations, just that they are slightly easier in some area's to decipher. One of the frustrating things with Joe, is his diet. It is nigh on impossible to get him to try anything new. He'll try a different food if HE chooses to, and no amount of coaxing, bribing, or shouting will sway him. So, you have to get inventive!

I know it is challenging enough to get kids to eat anything healthy, but Joe will NOT eat any vegetables with the exception of chips for Potato. Full stop. No Pea's, Carrot's, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Green Beans, Sweetcorn, nothing! The only fruit he will eat are Apples.  He likes the taste of some other fruit, but not the texture or look of them.  My head should have a permanent bruise and lump from where I've been banging it on a brick wall.  The seriously annoying thing is that when he was being weaned as a baby, he ate everything!  Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

If you have any inventive ways of getting a child to try new food, especially fruit and veg, please let me know. It must look however, like its their own idea to try it.


How Many Apples?

To my Son, they are THE most important fruit,
No other can even compare,
Their taste and texture are just right,
He won't even eat a Banana or Pear.
You see, eating for him, is sensory,
It must look, smell, feel and taste just right,
Banana's smell and taste really lovely,
But feel slimy when eaten, therefore disliked.
Although Pears may look similar to Apples
Their texture when eaten is grainy,
Another fruit crossed off his edible list,
The look on his face expressing this plainly.
He's tried Strawberries, which smell and taste lovely,
Peaches, Plums and Apricots are much the same,
But the look and texture repulse him,
But now we're starting to play him at his own game.
He'll happily drink pure fruit juices,
Occasionally a Smoothie or two,
It's the only way to get him to consume a variety,
Because Apples are the ONLY fruit for you know who!
Absolutely NO vegetables will cross his lips,
We've even tried hiding them inside other food,
Like Fish Shapes studded with Sweetcorn and Pea's,
But he just spits it all out, oh how rude!
So, how many Apples will my Son eat,
In his lifetime? Who can say?
Although challenging, he eats one thing healthy,
Unknowingly DRINKING others, crafty Mummy hey?


Thanks for reading my waffle. x