About Mealtimes on the Spectrum

Mealtimes on the Spectrum is an online toolkit for supporting families of children with autism spectrum disorders to make mealtimes meaningful, functional, and healthy. Mealtimes are important for families with children with autism. On average, families of children with autism eat together more frequently than families with only typically developing children.  But mealtimes can be stressful too. This toolkit provides information, resources, recipes, and stories for parents of children on the spectrum.

Making mealtimes more meaningful

Parents of children with autism want family meals to be enjoyable- to laugh, share important parts of their days, and enjoy each other's company. They want mealtimes to be a space where they come together as a family.  Research suggests mealtimes are important for families too. But it can be difficult. This website has advise based on what worked for other families.   

Making Mealtimes more functional

From picky eating to hectic schedules.  It can be difficult to create a functional family routine. Parents can learn a lot from other parents which is why we developed this website based on what worked for other families with children on the spectrum. This website has practical information about how parents can manage eating so that family life is more functional. 

making families healthier 

All parents have to worry about healthy lifestyles, but children with ASD are at a greater risk for poor health and obesity. We also know parents are looking for healthy recipes that that are easy to make and that kids will actually eat. It's probably no surprise that activities that promote healthy bodies also bring families together.

More About Mealtimes on the Spectrum

The information provided on Mealtimes on the Spectrum is research-based. We even tell you where you can find the original scientific articles. The content was written by Dr. Sarah Curtiss in collaboration with other researchers. Dr. Curtiss is an expert on program development for individuals with autism. She spent a year recording the mealtimes of families on the spectrum and interviewing parents and children about their mealtimes. Feel free to contact Dr. Curtiss with any questions at curtiss@udel.edu.