Why some adults are ‘picky eaters’ and what to do
Plenty of adults are ‘picky eaters,’ but what would lead someone to be so particular?
Key points:
- People who live with sensory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder may show signs of ‘picky eating’
- For people who are picky eaters, the pressure to try new things or commentary from others about their dietary habits may serve as a source of stress or anxiety
- ‘Picky eating’ is common in both childhood and adulthood, withresearch estimates on prevalence ranging from 15 – 35 percent across the lifespan
This edition of Disability Support Guide lists the conditions typically associated with ‘picky eating,’ how this can impact the quality of life for a person who has an aversion to certain foods, how others can show support and some indicators for intervention.
Cooking can be fun and hosting a get-together or a birthday party can be a personal self-esteem booster, but having others in attendance and waiting on the person playing with the food a host has made — it’s a bit much. Compound that feeling of embarrassment, coercion and dread with a condition which impacts dietary preferences and the resulting stress can be emotionally crushing.
Conditions
Autism spectrum disorder
People with autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD, may find it difficult to try new things or even food they like when prepared in an unfamiliar way — perhaps even eating in a different environment or around different people can be enough to put down the knife and fork.
The eating habits of those with ASD may be influenced by a tendency to:
- engage in repetitive or routine behaviours;
- only participate in a limited range of activities;
- strictly adhere to daily routines and potentially have outbursts when changes occur; and
- exhibit strong, special interests.
Sensory processing disorder
Sensory processing disorder, also known as SPD, is not formally recognised as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), however, in the time since the DSM-V was published, research has been conducted on people with SPD.
Children with ASD are commonly associated with having SPD, although little is known about the prevalence among adults with the condition and whether SPD is independent of an ASD diagnosis.
SPD sub-categories are believed to be ‘hyposensitivity’ — a diminished response to sensory stimuli and ‘hypersensitivity,’ which is characterised by extreme reactions to sensory stimuli.
People with hypersensitivity symptoms of SPD may find certain foods or unfamiliar textures to be distressing and incompatible with their own sensibilities, to the point of gagging or leaving the room.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
People with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, may find it difficult to stay on-topic during a conversation or pay attention to how others perceive their eating habits. Generally, stimulant medications, which are used to reduce hyperactivity and inattentive symptoms, have appetite suppressing side-effects as well.
Additionally, people with ADHD share a similar sense of hyper-fascination with specific things as people with ASD tend to do, meaning certain foods may be interesting enough to consume, whereas others may be overlooked.
For adults with ADHD, meal planning, time spent cooking and eating at appropriate times or in standard portions can be difficult as a result of:
- poor executive functioning;
- anxiety related to making decisions;
- starting, but not finishing tasks; and
- losing track of time.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, or ARFID, was introduced in the DSM-5, previously known as ‘selective eating disorder.’ People with ARFID may share similar traits to those living withanorexia nervosa, although people with ARFID do not experience body dysmorphia.
People with ASD or ADHD are more likely to develop ARFID according to the American National Eating Disorders Association, with an ARFID diagnosis likely to impact the psychosocial functioning of a person throughout life, such as in school, university or the workplace.
People with ARFID are diagnosed when they routinely fail to meet nutritional guidelines and experience dietary deficiencies which are not attributable to a lack of food availability, anorexia nervosa, medication side-effects or notable weight fluctuation.
How to show support and find help
People with an aversion to food that is not attributable to a marked difference in weight may live with ASD, sensory processing disorder, ADHD or ARFID. If someone you know is a ‘picky eater’ as an adult and does not seem to be at severe risk of malnutrition, you may be able to plan ahead and discuss preferences prior to serving food, rather than interrogate them at the dinner table.
If you are dating someone whom you believe to be a picky eater and intend to invite them to a restaurant, consider asking them to decide on the location or searching online to find a menu so that they can plan ahead as well.
If you or someone you care for may be at risk of an eating disorder or malnutrition, please refer to the following support services:
The Butterfly Foundation: 1800 33 4673
Have you ever served a meal and picked the plate up with nothing having been eaten? Have you ever felt intimidated at the dinner table?
Let the team at Disability Support Guide know your story!
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Related content:
What is anorexia? Symptoms, causes, treatments and help