A Pilot Programme to reduce anxiety, improve engagement, and increase experimentation by Autistic learners, with new foods.

During her time working at Oakfield (April 2019 – present), Shelly noticed a trend of fussy eaters. This led her to review the literature for a solution and adapt a ‘Messy Chef’ programme created by a colleague, Sudheer Kuttan; based on her findings and research on similar programmes trialled elsewhere.

She piloted the programme in 1 class, before implementing the programme universally across the base. The pilot study was extremely successful when measured informally, based on teacher and parent feedback, and the number of new foods trialled by the children.

The presentation will look at this programme and share suggestions to address Fussy Eating with Autistic children.