Curriculum
Autism Awareness Diploma Course
Module 1: What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
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Module 2: The traid of impairments
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Module 3: Common symptoms of autism
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Module 4: Diagnosing autism
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Module 5: Autism treatments, therapies, interventions and strategiess
0/4
Module 6: Embracing autism: Moving forward together
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Food Issues
Lesson Overview:
In this lesson, we will explore the unique challenges individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may face regarding food, including sensory sensitivities, restrictive eating patterns, and nutritional concerns. Understanding these issues is crucial for providing effective support and promoting healthy eating habits for individuals with autism.
Lesson Objectives:
1. Define food issues in the context of autism spectrum disorder.
2. Explore the sensory sensitivities related to food experienced by individuals with autism.
3. Understand the factors contributing to restrictive eating patterns in individuals with autism.
4. Discuss the nutritional implications of food issues in autism.
5. Learn strategies for supporting individuals with autism in developing healthy eating habits.
Lesson Content:
1. Introduction to Food Issues in Autism:
– Define food issues in the context of autism, including sensory sensitivities and restrictive eating patterns.
– Highlight the importance of addressing these issues for overall health and well-being.
2. Sensory Sensitivities:
– Explain how individuals with autism may experience heightened sensory sensitivities to certain tastes, textures, smells, and appearances of food.
– Provide examples of common sensory aversions and their impact on food choices and mealtime behaviors.
– Discuss strategies for accommodating sensory sensitivities during mealtime, such as offering alternatives and modifying food presentation.
3. Restrictive Eating Patterns:
– Explore the reasons behind restrictive eating patterns in individuals with autism, including rigidity and anxiety.
– Identify common food preferences and aversions among individuals with autism.
– Discuss the potential consequences of restrictive eating patterns on nutritional intake and overall health.
4. Nutritional Implications:
– Outline the nutritional challenges associated with food issues in autism, such as nutrient deficiencies and imbalanced diets.
– Emphasize the importance of addressing nutritional needs through varied and balanced food choices.
– Provide guidance on selecting nutrient-dense foods and incorporating them into the diet of individuals with autism.
5. Strategies for Support:
– Introduce practical strategies for supporting individuals with autism in developing healthy eating habits.
– Discuss the role of caregivers, educators, and therapists in creating a supportive mealtime environment.
– Highlight the significance of patience, flexibility, and positive reinforcement in promoting positive food experiences for individuals with autism.
Conclusion:
Summarize the key points covered in the lesson and emphasize the importance of addressing food issues in autism with empathy and understanding. Encourage learners to apply the knowledge gained to support individuals with autism in developing healthy relationships with food.