Nutrition for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the UK
Specialist Paediatric Dietitian Services for Children with Autism in the UK
Supporting the Unique Nutritional Needs of Children with Autism
Children and young people on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have specific dietary patterns, food sensitivities, and nutritional challenges. These may include:
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Selective or restrictive eating
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Strong sensory aversions (e.g. to texture, smell, or temperature)
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Nutrient deficiencies (e.g. iron, zinc, vitamin D, fibre)
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Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation or reflux
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Challenges with mealtime routines and feeding behaviours
At Nutrition and Co, we offer compassionate, evidence-based nutrition support tailored to the unique needs of autistic children. Our goal is to help your child thrive physically, emotionally, and developmentally — through food that works for them.
Private Nutrition Services for Children with Autism (UK-Wide)
Led by a qualified paediatric dietitian with expertise in autism, our programme includes:
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A detailed initial consultation to understand your child's current diet, growth, health, and sensory profile
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Six personalised follow-up sessions to provide ongoing support, guidance, and tailored strategies
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Practical tools to help increase dietary variety, nutrient intake, and enjoyment of food — without pressure
We work in collaboration with parents, schools, and other professionals to create a holistic plan that supports your child’s well-being.
Children with ASD are more likely to have mealtime challenges such as tantrums, extreme food selectivity and ritualistic eating behaviors. Inadequate nutrition is more common among children with autism than in those unaffected by the disorder. In particular, overall low intake of calcium and protein. Calcium is crucial for building strong bones. Adequate protein is important for growth, mental development and health.Chronic eating problems also increase a child's risk for social difficulties and poor academic achievement. This may also increase risk for diet-related diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease in adolescence and adulthood.We provide individualised advice to try expand your child's diet and make mealtimes more pleasant!
While there's no specific "autism diet," nutrition can play a crucial role in managing symptoms such as picky eating, gastrointestinal issues, and nutrient deficiencies commonly seen in individuals on the autism spectrum.
Dietitians can:
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assess at whether your child's diet is providing all the nutrients needed
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give advice on nutritional supplements according to textural/sensory preferences
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give helpful, practical advice to help reduce mealtime stress or anxiety
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give advice to help to try new food
Our consultation process begins with a 60-minute session with a paediatric nutrition specialist, followed by a minimum of 6 follow-ups. We focus on a SOS feeding approach, slowly expanding your child's food variety. If indicated - we may also provide a GP letter for prescription supplementation and oral nutrition supplements to fill any nutritional gaps.
Z. Young (Parent of 3 year old)
“Using Nutrition and Co's paediatric nutrition services was the best investment I have ever made for my child. After 8 sessions she has tripped her food intake and her concentration has sky rocketed!."
J.Phillips (Parents of 11 year old)
"My son has had an extremely limited diet for his whole life, and was very sensory. Working with Nutrition and Co's paediatric dietitian's, we were able to expand his food intake and increases the textures he tolerates"
U.Vi (Parent of 5 year old)
“My daughter was only eating 3 different types of foods prior to working with Nutrition and Co's paeditric dietitians, after 6 sessions with them, she now eats over 15 types of foods. Highly recommend their service.”
Our ASD Nutrition Support Includes:
1. Comprehensive Dietary Assessment
We review your child’s current intake, nutritional gaps, growth history, medical background, feeding challenges, and sensory sensitivities.
2. Sensory-Aware Food Strategies
We design step-by-step, sensory-informed approaches to help your child feel more comfortable with food textures, smells, and presentation.
3. Nutrient Optimisation
We ensure your child receives the right balance of energy, protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals to support brain development, immune function, and healthy growth.
4. Mealtime Routine Support
We offer guidance on creating low-stress, predictable mealtime routines that support communication, flexibility, and a calmer eating environment at home or in school.
5. Parent Coaching and Empowerment
We provide practical techniques, realistic goals, and ongoing encouragement to help parents feel more confident and reduce daily mealtime stress.
6. Evidence-Based Recommendations
All our advice is grounded in current ASD nutrition research — including guidance on supplements, special diets, and gut health where appropriate.
Why Choose Nutrition and Co?
Specialist Paediatric Dietitian
Extensive experience supporting children with autism, ADHD, ARFID, and sensory-based feeding challenges.
Evidence-Based, Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
We use respectful, proven strategies — no force feeding, no unrealistic targets, and no judgment.
Online Consultations Across the UK
Flexible and accessible support wherever you are, designed to fit around family life.
Collaborative, Multi-Professional Support
We work with schools, therapists, and healthcare providers as needed to ensure holistic care.
Whole-Child Focus
Our support goes beyond nutrition — addressing emotional well-being, behaviour, growth, and family dynamics.
Who This Service Is For
This ASD nutrition support programme is suitable for:
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Children and teens diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Children with highly selective eating or sensory-based food aversions
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Families concerned about nutritional deficiencies or growth delays
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Parents seeking practical, expert-led feeding support
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Those looking for a private paediatric dietitian for autism in the UK
Common Outcomes Families See
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Increased variety and flexibility in accepted foods
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Improved nutritional intake and healthy growth
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Lower anxiety and stress around food and meals
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More peaceful, structured mealtimes
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Greater parental confidence and support