My autistic son is now 16stone and rising

[Paul1955]

He cannot read and does not understand calorie density. He cannot cook other then ready meals.

His carers who visit him daily say they cannot interfere with his food choices.

The doctors report repeatedly reads "must eat more fruit and veg" but he gravitates to eating chips, pizzas, steaks etc.

Can anything be done.

[Tiggerr]

Hey Paul,

That sounds like a terribly stressful dilemma you're facing.

Unfortunately, none of us here are medically trained. However, my one question would be... who decides what food is actually available for him?

[Minniewinny 5 stone Maintainer]

Hi Paul1955

Sometimes pictures of what he could benefit from may be useful?

My hubby is autistic and if I talk to him about healthy food choices, the information is not absorbed, but if I send him pictures of groups of good foods to aim for he is more inclined to consider them. I send them by email or text, as he doesn't like printouts as they are more stuff that in his world is just more clutter!

Don't confuse him with pictures of what not to eat.. just the ones you want to encourage him to focus on. I hope this helps..

Cheering you on as you care for his long term health 🎉

[Tiggerr in reply to Minniewinny]

That's a great idea Minnie.

[Paul1955 in reply to Minniewinny]

Thank you. I found a food picture book on the internet and had a local printer print and bind it. It's now a case of getting those who take him shopping to get with it. I'll arrange a meeting.

[Minniewinny 5 stone Maintainer in reply to Paul1955]

I hope it helps 🥗🍇🥒🍆

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone]

What a frustrating and upsetting situation, Paul.

Is there any possibility of your son's doctors communicating directly with his carers, rather than you being stuck in the middle? Do you have planning meetings or reviews where everyone concerned with your son and his care meet together? I'm sure this isn't going to be easily overcome as I'm sure he has his preferences and widening his diet may not be easy, with the best will in the world from all concerned.

[Paul1955 in reply to BridgeGirl]

Thankyou for the suggestion of a planning meeting. I'll seek to get one arranged.

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone in reply to Paul1955]

I wish you both well. I'm assuming he's an adult and that service providers are less willing to engage with you, tho' you are the one who cares for him more than anyone.

I hope you can set up an effective planning meeting and get people to work together with, and for, your son.

[Paul1955 in reply to BridgeGirl]

Yes he's an adult.tks.

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome Paul1955

Unfortunately we are not medically trained on here and are a support forum for people that want to lose weight - you could look at the NHS 12 week plan and see if it's something you could introduce him to - have a read of Minniewinny comments

To make navigating the forum easier, we've put all the information you'll need in a newbie pack and here's the link

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Please take the time to read it carefully, so that you're able to enjoy everything that we have on offer.

In the interest of internet safety, we ask that you always lock your posts, by clicking on 'only followers in my community', before posting.

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Wishing you all the best

[Paul1955 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I found the NHS pack up yesterday. I'm right on top of the nutritional information. I just feel I have no control. The care workers just allow him to buy what he likes - chips, pizza, steaks, sugary cereals.

[Pineapple27]

Hi Paul1955

I wonder if you have found this page yet which might be useful?

autism.org.uk/about/health/...

[Paul1955 in reply to Pineapple27]

Yes i found this thanks. As I only see him occassionally it's more a case of what the council funded carers do or don't do. They are passive on this matter.

[Pineapple27 in reply to Paul1955]

Frustrating for you.... I know people with physical difficulties who get a Direct Payment and can direct their staff to help them prepare and cook nutritional meals that they are unable to prepare themselves! You only want what is best for your son!

[4n9el4]

Goodness, Paul1955, this isn't the first time that I've heard of this situation. I have a son, step-son & nephew with autism (all adults). Getting strategies in place to help them to make healthy choices is far from easy. I hope that the ideas from others could be helpful to you & your son. Best wishes & good luck to you.

[Paul1955 in reply to 4n9el4]

Thank you