Pick Your Own
Sometimes it is difficult to convince our kids – whether they are diagnosed with autism or not – to eat healthy foods. One technique that has increased intake of healthy fruits and veggies is taking trips to “pick-your-own” orchards, berry patches, and gardens.
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Research indicates that fresh veggies and fresh fruits significantly impact both our long-term and short-term health. The trick is inserting these healthy foods into the daily diets of individuals with autism who are resistant to new foods, new tastes, and new textures.
I have seen some of my friends who were extraordinarily averse to new foods bite into an apple or strawberry picked straight from the plant. In most cases, even the most selective eaters are willing to take a taste of fresh produce they plucked out of the garden with their own hands.
Summer and fall are perfect times for a drive into the country to find commercial farms and orchards that allow people to handpick fruits and vegetables. You might also know friends with home gardens who would allow your friend with autism to come pick some homegrown goodies. People of all ages and levels of ability can enjoy the outing.
Depending on fruits grown in your area, you might be able to pick peaches, nectarines, apples, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, oranges, mangos, or papayas. Some individuals with autism may prefer to eat berries and handpicked fruits fresh rather than having their treasures disguised in cobblers or pies.
Country gardens or farms sometimes allow picking squash, okra, green beans, tomatoes, and other vegetables. And, of course, nothing tops off a hot summer day better than slicing into a watermelon picked fresh from the field.
TIP FOR THE DAY: Load everyone up and head to the orchard or the berry patch or the country garden and enjoy!
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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