Tips for Eating and Sleeping in Autism

(Assisted by Ai)

Tips for Eating & Sleeping in Autism

As both a therapist and a parent, I’ve learned that positive reinforcement, when used thoughtfully and without reliance on negative “aversives” (something I personally experienced with ABA therapy), can be incredibly effective. However, the most valuable advice I ever received about sleep actually came from a traditional child psychologist rather than ABA specialists.

Picky eating, on the other hand, can be a major concern for caregivers of children with learning challenges—it certainly was for me. Over time, I found some practical strategies that worked, and I hope they’ll be helpful for you too.

Encouraging New Foods: A Tailored Reward System

Creating a reward system tailored to your child’s needs can help make trying new foods less stressful and more achievable.

Step 1: Identify Motivators

Take note of what your child loves most—this could be toys, screen time, sensory activities, stickers, or verbal praise. Use these motivators as immediate rewards for progress at mealtime.

Step 2: Choose a Tracking Method

Token System: Create a token board with a theme your child enjoys, like spaceships or animals.

Example: “Earn 5 stars to watch your favorite show.”

Sticker Chart: Use bright, colorful stickers to mark each step of progress.

Example: “For every interaction with the new food, you earn a sticker. After 3 stickers, you’ll get your reward.”

Step 3: Set Clear Expectations

Be very specific about the action your child needs to take to earn a reward.

Example: “You’ll earn a star if you touch the carrot,” or “Take one bite of the yogurt to get a sticker.”

Keep goals realistic, based on your child’s current comfort level and learning ability.

Step 4: Reinforce Immediately

Give rewards as soon as the desired behavior happens. This strengthens the connection between the action and the reward.

Example: “Well done trying a bite! Here’s your star for the chart.”

Remember to be patient—new habits can take time to form, but persistence pays off.

Step 5: Gradually Raise the Bar

Start with very small goals, such as simply smelling the new food. Once your child is comfortable, slowly increase the challenge—touching the food, licking it, and eventually taking a bite.

Step 6: Use Visual Supports

Visual aids can help clarify the process for your child. Create a simple sequence, such as:

1. Try the food.

2. Earn a token or sticker.

3. Receive the reward.

Step 7: Incorporate Special Interests

Make the process engaging by tapping into your child’s unique interests.

Example: A dinosaur-themed chart for a child who loves dinosaurs.

Use tokens shaped like their favorite animals or characters.

Step 8: Celebrate Success

Celebrate even the smallest steps forward with enthusiastic verbal praise.

Example: “Wow, you touched the apple! You’re so brave.”

Positive reinforcement over time can help build confidence and reduce anxiety around new foods.

Step 9: Keep It Consistent

Stick with the same system every day so your child knows what to expect. Make sure all caregivers follow the same approach to avoid confusion or setbacks.

Improving Sleep:

Getting my son to sleep through the night was a significant challenge, but one strategy worked wonders for us.

For four nights, I lay beside him as he fell asleep. During this time, I offered him nothing but water and avoided engaging with any of his behaviors. The only interaction I had was settling him back into bed and tucking him in—no talking, no eye contact, and no unnecessary interaction.

It was incredibly difficult to stick to, but by the fifth night, he began taking himself to bed and mostly sleeping through the night. The sleepless nights were less often and a more regular healthy sleep pattern emerged. 

Both eating and sleeping improvements require patience, consistency, and a willingness to adapt the approach to suit your child’s unique needs. These strategies worked for me, and I hope they help you too!

Elizabeth Lucy Robillard 2025