My autistic son is now 16stone and rising - Weight Loss Support

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My autistic son is now 16stone and rising

Paul1955 profile image
16 Replies

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.

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Paul1955 profile image
Paul1955
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16 Replies
Tiggerr profile image
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 profile image
Minniewinny5 stoneMaintainer

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 profile image
Tiggerr in reply toMinniewinny

That's a great idea Minnie.

Paul1955 profile image
Paul1955 in reply toMinniewinny

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 profile image
Minniewinny5 stoneMaintainer in reply toPaul1955

I hope it helps 🥗🍇🥒🍆

BridgeGirl profile image
BridgeGirlAdministrator2 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 profile image
Paul1955 in reply toBridgeGirl

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

BridgeGirl profile image
BridgeGirlAdministrator2 stone in reply toPaul1955

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 profile image
Paul1955 in reply toBridgeGirl

Yes he's an adult.tks.

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

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

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Wishing you all the best

Paul1955 profile image
Paul1955 in reply to

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 profile image
Pineapple27

Hi Paul1955

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

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

Paul1955 profile image
Paul1955 in reply toPineapple27

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 profile image
Pineapple27 in reply toPaul1955

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 profile image
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 profile image
Paul1955 in reply to4n9el4

Thank you

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