My two year old only eats crunchy food

by Diana
( New york)

My son only eats dry cereal, toast, chicken nuggets and pizza. He refuses to even look at something that has a soft texture. He is underweight yet very active. He is receiving ot and speech therapy but nothing seems to help.

Often times I find myself crying because he just doesn't eat.

Please Help me help him

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Mar 25, 2018
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Homemade potato patties with hidden veggies
by: Anonymous

My 7 yo son only eats crunchy things, and he loves potatoes, so I'll grate parboiled potatoes, add things like spinach, cooked meats that have been minced, and any other finely minced veggies I can think of.

Add an egg to bind, and turn them into potato patties. They're crunchy, and he seems to like the color green, which makes sneaking many veggies in pretty easy.

Mar 25, 2017
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Crunchy food only
by: Anonymous

My son just turned one and has only been eating crunchy foods for months now. Graham crackers, gold fish, veggie straws, Cheerios, etc. he will not touch anything wet in texture like yogurt, jello, or baby foods. He will occasionally eat a mini pancake, waffle, or piece of toast.

HOW did you handle any constipation issues? I tried high fiber cereal but he won't eat enough of it. He won't drink enough water or prune/pear juice either. I feel like I'm failing at something that should be simple

Oct 05, 2016
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Is autism related to eating crunchy food?
by: Anonymous

No it is not. It's usually texture issues that could be dealt with by an OT. For example, my daughter had issues with wet textures to the point when she ate food and she chewed on it long enough, it became undesirable. So she spit it out.

I have had multiple professionals visit her including SP, OT, ENT, including her Pediatrician. All have come to the conclusion after multiple test and observation she had a behavior issue caused by a Rhino virus she got during a critical time of her life transitioning to solids from puree.

Seek out your Pediatrician and include all details you recall when you first noticed your child stopped eating certain foods. It may be something that simple. Note my daughter is now starting to eat regular healthy food but at her pace.

Aug 19, 2016
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stop stressing
by: Anonymous

there is nothing wrong with ur kids. i have a 3 year old that was like that. i got him a greedy frnd that eats anything. after that he slowly started eating diff things. it takes time. and shame on you for calling the other parents bad cause you clearly never had a picky eater. just try ur best and never give up.

Feb 14, 2016
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A former worried mother
by: Anonymous

Please send your kids to a specialist. My son did not latch on well and did not do well with formula. He at times would go a day without any milk. Baby food and table food I had the same problem. The specialist put him on an appetite stimulant and a product called nida. He now is at a normal weight and has a decent appetite. I did not want him to be on medication but he was wearing 6 to 9 month clothes on his 1st birthday. I had to do something!

Oct 16, 2015
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Dear "MCDonalds"
by: Anonymous

You, my friend, are a judgmental a**hole.

Sep 27, 2015
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McDonald's
by: Anonymous

I have to say I am really shocked that so many of you are bring your child to McDonald's .. Come on People WTF!!!... and if your going to go on and reply well it's the only meat he will eat... Your two year old never knew what McDonalds was until you took him / her there... Shame !! shame !!! It's simple don't bring your kids or anyone to McDonald's It's Garbage !!! If you are going to try out foods get every kind of chicken finger that is all natural , no fillers, no garbage and keep trying ... But don't just go the McDonald's route ....

Jun 23, 2015
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Lefty
by: Anonymous

I also want to add that my left handed son had difficulty initially with speaking. He spoke late and infrequently. Now almost 6, he speaks much better. In my reading, I learned that the area of the brain devoted to speech development is in the left side of the brain. Him being right brain dominant may have something to do with the lax speech development. As it turns out, my nephew is also left handed and is having trouble with speech development. I didn't put two and two together until my mother pointed out that 'nephew' was also left handed and things started to click.

The original poster noted that her child had speech challenges. This could be a long shot. Any insight is appreciated. This may all be coincidental but these are my observations.

Jun 23, 2015
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Lefty
by: Anonymous

A Left Hand Turn Around the World: Chasing the Mystery and Meaning of All Things Southpaw by David Wolman

I don't have the title of the other book, but I got it at the library. It was something like Loving Lefties: How to Raise Your Left-Handed Child in a Right-Handed World

There aren't many books about left handed people. I stumbled across a retail store called "Leftys" while on vacation with my son. We went in and a whole new world opened up to us. I became generally interested in this topic and as I read more about it, I began to wonder if this has something to do with his eating.

He is right brain dominant and extremely creative. He doesn't have any learning or behavioral disorders , but he IS a very picky eater. I was as a child so I had chalked it up to that, but now I am thinking twice about it.

Jun 23, 2015
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Left handed
by: Sharissa

My son is left handed too!

Jun 23, 2015
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Left Hand
by: Anonymous

My son prefers Left hand over right too. What article did you read, can you please share the link. It might be related.

Thanks.

Jun 23, 2015
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Lefty
by: Anonymous

I stumbled upon something a few weeks ago that may help to explain these oddities.

My son is left handed, something I took for granted over the last few years. Something happened recently that made me read up on left handed people and I think the food thing may be related to this. There are other traits he has that I now think are due to him being left handed / right brain dominant.

Maybe this is helpful to somebody.

Jun 23, 2015
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Crunchy & smoothies
by: Sharissa

Dana, my 2.5 year old eats the exact same as your son + nuts. I make him fruit & veggie smoothies with protein and yogurt and milk. Occasionally, he will eat ice cream (like yours with pudding). He also likes granola clusters. I haven't added meat to his smoothies but will try now. I'm going crazy here too! Sites like these make me not feel like crying as much! My son will hold food and feed others, just is not interested himself. And despite what others say about just letting him get really hungry and then he'll eat-yeah right!! He'd rather starve!

Jun 18, 2015
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same issue
by: Marcos Ortiz

any news about this problem?..my 2 years old is the same, only eats crunchy food..is this issue related to autism?..

May 14, 2015
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my 1.5 year old only drinks smoothies + some crunchy stuff.
by: dana

i couldn't get my son to accept the spoon. at first he ate with a spoon for ab 1 week, then started eating only yogurt with a spoon,then nothing, only what came of a bottle, so now i mix everything in a blender and add some milk until it is the right consistency for fast flow bottles.i bet it's not the healthiest choice, and sounds gross, but it's the only way i can feed him a somewhat balanced diet. in the morning i blend a yogurt, fruit and cereal to which i add milk, at noon, steamed veggies with chicken meat/egg , occasionally rice,to which i add milk (actually i still use formula), fish he eats only salmon with sour cherries, mango and sweet potatoes (all steamed) and obviously milk (gross, i know), at "dinner" milk and cereal.

he eats on his own bread, biscuits, chips, fries and chocolate crinckles or oatmeal cookies. once he also ate some pasta with cheese + beaten egg on top and some sugar, but once. i started the smoothies as a mix of vegetables and fruit, slowly i took out the fruit at lunch time and replaced with other veggies or legumes with a sweet taste, like green peas, zucchini or sweet potato, in time i started to add broccoli, aubergine, mushrooms, etc.he eats from time to time some pudding with a spoon. i hope this helps at least some of you. i am getting crazy over here, i visit blogs like this weekly. hugs to all.

Jan 25, 2015
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Only Crunchy
by: Anonymous

I see Im not alone I have a 19 month son He is very picky Only eats crunchy stuff Chicken nuggets Toast Crackers Fish sticks Dinner rolls Pizza Dried cereal Pretzels Chips It worries me a lot He does drink plenty of milk, water and juices But I pray one day He changed his eating happens soon

Nov 30, 2014
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crunchy
by: Anonymous

My son will only eat food that is crunchy also.It has to break in order for it to be consumed.He is 6 and eats crunchy chicken nuggets, fries, tortillas, crackers etc..The only fruit he will eat is in a tube and is pureed.It is only a certain brand he will eat as well, which makes it also difficult.I make him pizza but i use a tortilla and put a tiny bit of cheese so its able to get crunchy.The tortilla is more like a chip when its done.You have to get really creative but it's doable.sometimes he will drink a smoothie.It's nice to know I am not alone in this.My son did OT etc..but it didn't help the food issues.I guess we just have to do the best we can.He will only drink apple juice and chocolate almond milk.As long as they are thriving it's ok.It's just a bit of work.

Nov 18, 2014
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2.5yr old picky
by: Anonymous

Hi
, Wanted to ask Anonymous who posted the below comment that did something work for you, I am in the same exact boat as you, as if you described my kid.

"Oct 28, 2010
2 year old, food aversions....advice?
by: Anonymous

My son is the same way, he has 5 foods he eats regularly none are fruits or vegetables, i have tried deceptively delicious by Jessica Seinfeld but he is too quick for that, he will only eat McDonald chicken nuggets i have tried making some and putting them in the McDonald's container with McDonald's nuggets to no avail, he didn't even take a bite to see if you might like them, he eats Ritz crackers, graham crackers, pringles, and waffles, and that sums it up for his diet! He will only drink water, no milk, juice, just water....We have been in OT therapy for about 4 months and i have noticed a little bit of difference in a few things not really food as much as he is broadening his horizons on things such as playing with playdoh because for a while he wouldn't even touch playdoh...its so hard because he is 2 you can't reason with a 2 year old but even if i could i don't know how much it would help. I wish i just knew why he wouldn't even try these things to know if he likes them. Its not that he is just a picky eater, he isn't wanting ice cream and cake and not his veggies he wont eat candy, he wont eat anything but those few foods i listed. Any ideas or guidance would be greatly appreciated!!"

Thanks

Nov 18, 2014
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Picky eater
by: Anonymous

Hi Anonymous,
What kind of therapy your daughter went to and any tips that really helped with her.

Thanks

Nov 16, 2014
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Improvement
by: Anonymous

I posted on this thread a few years ago. We went thru 4 years of eating therapy and we still struggle, but my daughter has survived and even thrived on very little. She is now 6.5 and she must have been about 3 when I first posted about this issue! Some kids just don't eat a lot!!! She now eats spaghetti, eggs, toast, bacon, pizza, peanut butter sandwiches, apples, fruit smoothies and tacos. What I have learned is to be patient!!! My daughter only ate three things a few years ago.... And while she is still hard to feed and picky..... She does now eat some. Getting older helps to reason with them!!! Hang in there!!! My daughter still lives on very little but she is 95% in height and very lean but she looks healthy and has plenty of energy:)

Sep 14, 2014
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crunchy, crispy
by: Bee

I thought I was alone in this matter. My 2 year old son loves only crispy, crunchy food. He loves watermelon & oranges too. That's about it. He loves his NIDO milk. Sometimes he just wants his milk and that's it. Pediatrician says it's ok. He's fine. I am glad but sad about him not eating sometimes.

Hugs to all. Thanks for the good information on this thread.

Mar 26, 2014
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2.5 yr.
by: Carrie

My 2.5 yr only eats the Gerber yogurt, cheese puffs, chips, toast, and that's about it. He's as the doctor says is growing good, but I hear his tummy growl at night sometimes. He's very picky and it drives me nuts.

Sep 19, 2013
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Freeze-Dried foods for autistic children and their parents
by: Anonymous

Want it crunchy? Want it mushy? Either way, you need it healthy. Fruit, vegetables, meats and dairy all come with a crunch right out of the can without losing any nutrition, flavor or recognizability. It looks right, tastes right, but crunches and nourishes. Just add water for softness if desired. 25 year shelf life. GREAT for not only children, but the parents as well. We've used it nearly daily for over 2 years. It solves many problems and is delicious. It is a great solution for the malnourished picky eater and for the rest of the family as well.
Betty B. Ready
learntobereadyblog.com
www.bereadyinc.com

Feb 23, 2013
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3 year old only eats crunchy foods
by: Rachel

So I'm glad to see I'm not alone. We have been dealing with the dry, crunchy issue since he was 14 months or so. He will eat bacon (it can even be floppy), pizza (thin crust only), chicken nuggets, fries, crackers, dried edamame, dried peas, dried peaches, dried apples, dried corn, chips, kale chips, and dried bananas. He doesn't have any learning issues or behavior problems. Just the food thing. He will drink milk, juice and water. We went to a food therapist and all we did was waste our time and spend a crazy amount of money even after the doctor referred and insurance paid what they would pay. I'm worried about how he will do in preschool when he starts next year but we are trying to get him to take one small bite a day of something out of his comfort zone. Usually ends up with me shoving it in his mouth. So far he has eaten a spaghetti noodle without tears. It will just take time and constant parenting. We are tired of it but that's the joys of parenting, there is no stopping when you get tired.

Apr 19, 2012
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3 year only eat cruchy food
by: Anonymous

my 3.5 year goes to pre-k, he's autisic. He only eats oatmeat, cream of wheat for breakfast. Likes warm homemade applesauce or banana with BF. Chicken nuggets for chic-fil-a with ketcup. He will eat meatloaf or meatballs with ketcup. He loves dry cereal and freeze dry strawberries in a lunch baggy or pingle potatoe chips for snack. He won't get lunch at school with others, he only want his snacks and juice. I am at lost as to what to send to school, most things come back home. teacher said he won't even come to the table. His 1st OT evaulation will be Late July. Any suggestions on food choices or how to get him to eat will help

Jan 27, 2012
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My son is in this group
by: DT

One suggestion to everybody is that we give him fresh juice regularly. He will drink whatever I put through the juicer. I have put tomato, celery, pomegranate, spinach, kale, grapes, apple, orange, blueberry, strawberry, beets, you name it. He will drink anything I give him so at least he is getting healthy stuff that way. But otherwise he eats all the same foods that you guys are listing.
My mom, my brother and I were all picky eaters growing up but my son takes it to another level.

Mar 30, 2011
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AUTISM
by: Yash

Autism shouldn't be diagnosed by your neurologist, rather by your child psychiatrist.

Jan 23, 2011
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My girl too
by: Susan

My 2 year old will only eat a few things. She likes bacon, muffins, chicken nuggets, pizza and most kinds of french fries. No veggies or fruit. Sometimes I name her food after her favorite t.v. show to get her to try it like "Do you want some Wiggle sandwiches?" or "Ariel Fish poppers." Also we play tea party and I put new foods on her tea party plate and pretend to feed them to her baby. Success really depends mostly on her mood and I agree that offering new things when they are very hungry can improve the chances they will try something. One more thought, I wonder if the desire for crunchy texture could have something to do with cutting teeth?

Jan 11, 2011
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My 2.5 year girl is so frustrating with her eating!
by: Kim

My daughter is 2.5 and eats about 10 things and very little quantity of each. She eats sausage (one small link, max), bacon (1/2 a piece will be her entire breakfast), Cheerios, smoothies (Yo on the Go only that I mix babyfood in), hashbrown patties from McDonalds, Egg Patty from Bruegger's Bagels, Cashews, Almonds and chicken nuggets. It sounds like a lot when I'm typing it here, but this is her entire repertoire of food since she was 1.5.

They diagnosed her with Autism at 2 (mild) but now another neurologist said she's definitely NOT Autistic. Somedays I think she's autistic though because she freaks out with food and hair washing etc. (and in general is high maintenance compared to my friends' toddlers). Other days she does great and I hope that she is just quirky.

We have been going to an eating OT since 1 year because she would not take anything but milk. She never really took babyfood. She has been an eating nightmare since day 1. I have a second daughter now and she eats EVERYTHING (she's 1.5). Ella also had a speech delay but is catching up in her speech (though still behind most of her peers).

Somedays it's very frustrating....other days I give up and give her what she wants (smoothies) but then I feel like I'm setting her back. It's really hard though having two kids so close together and one who you can't take out to dinner or lunch because she won't eat anything on the menu or table.

Jan 01, 2011
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crunchy eatn non sleepn son!
by: Loren from SC

Oh my gosh i couldnt stop chuckling at these comments! My sons a little of all of these! Only HE REFUSES WATER AT ALL COSTS WONT EAT VEGGIES AT ALL. All he wants to do is drink juice gatorade n chocolate milk, ill sit a glass of water on the table all day and he'd rather thirst!! He wont sleep at night. His diet : ritz crackers will only eat wendys and burger king n mcds chicken nuggets. peaches apples and grapes and oranges pizza and ramen noodles he wont eat anything bready or saucey!!! ive tried different methods....it doesn't work n i get emotional! Hes 2and a half.

Nov 22, 2010
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heather
by: Anonymous

Heather thank u for your advice. My son now 3, still eats the frozen chicken nuggets and nuts like your kid. He also eats fried dumplings(crunchy) stir fried meat and string cheese. Something I have learned is that when kids are super hungry, that is the best time to try something new. They are most likely to try new foods when they're hungry. Also, speak to your child's doctor regarding you concerns of Autism. Hope this helps

Nov 22, 2010
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Im not alone! Heres some of my tricks
by: heather

I have been googling "my 2 year will only eat crunchy foods" for a year and finally i find people with the same problem! I thought I was alone in this. My son Joey's diet consists of chicken nuggets (that he has to dip in jelly YUCK), freeze dried apple, peanut butter, popcorn, dried cranberries, french fries and any type of cracker. He just started to eat chicken nuggets so I have to make sure I buy organic from costcos or 100% tyson chicken nuggets because this is the only meat he will eat! He does drink milk and apple juice but refuses water. I have come up with some things to try to trick at least fruits in his diet with the freeze dried stuff ill attach a link http://www.brothersallnatural.com/ you can buy them off the website or sometimes they have them at walmart in the section with craisins and stuff. He eats craisins and dried blueberries which gets expensive but he likes them because they are super sweet and I like them because they are good for him. Walmart also sells these easy microwave french fries which he loves! If you are tired of cooking them or mcdonalds. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ore-Ida-Easy-Fries-Extra-Crispy-Golden-Crinkles-French-Fried-Potatoes-4.75-oz/11964598 I have learned this is something I have to deal with so I take it day by day. I do worry about autism though but have not done my research yet. He is very alert and intelligent but if he gets something on his hands he cries. Right now he got jelly on his hands and i told him to go get his wipes and he wiped off his own hands. I know he is smart but I just wish we could get over this eating thing. Well I hope this helps other parents going through the same thing.

Oct 28, 2010
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2 year old, food aversions....advice?
by: Anonymous

My son is the same way, he has 5 foods he eats regularly none are fruits or vegetables, i have tried deceptively delicious by Jessica Seinfeld but he is too quick for that, he will only eat McDonald chicken nuggets i have tried making some and putting them in the McDonald's container with McDonald's nuggets to no avail, he didn't even take a bite to see if you might like them, he eats Ritz crackers, graham crackers, pringles, and waffles, and that sums it up for his diet! He will only drink water, no milk, juice, just water....We have been in OT therapy for about 4 months and i have noticed a little bit of difference in a few things not really food as much as he is broadening his horizons on things such as playing with playdoh because for a while he wouldn't even touch playdoh...its so hard because he is 2 you can't reason with a 2 year old but even if i could i don't know how much it would help. I wish i just knew why he wouldn't even try these things to know if he likes them. Its not that he is just a picky eater, he isn't wanting ice cream and cake and not his veggies he wont eat candy, he wont eat anything but those few foods i listed. Any ideas or guidance would be greatly appreciated!!

Sep 24, 2010
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Hi
by: Anonymous

Hi there, thank you for comment. From my knowledge, children who are autistic have special sensory needs. They may avoid or seek out different textures. speak to the professionals on the team. something I have recently learned fry healthy foods like sweet potatoes and greens to give them the crunch and a healthier choice.

Sep 23, 2010
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4 year old only eats crunchy
by: Ticil

Hello All... my son fits right in here. His diet consists of Cheerios and anything cracker-like...goldfish, graham crackers, club and townhouse crackers are some of his personal favorites. He used to be a very good eater as a baby, but as he gets older and his disabilities begin to manifest more,,SPD, Autism and Speech Delay Dx..it seems that his diet gets more and more limited. He sees a SLP, DT, and OT but they apparently don't see it as a problem because he's a healthy weight. He avoids most things that are wet, cold, squishy or and or too sweet. Any tips..please share!

Sep 13, 2010
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to steven
by: diana

Steven I'm glad to hear your child receives services, it can be great to have help. My son is very similar, if he encounters a different form of food he is used to, he will avoid it for some time. Thats when we venture out and look for new foods. Recently, I learned to feed him new foods when he is most hungry, because he usually tries some foods at that point. Also, I have decreased the amount of pediasure he drinks in the hopes of him having a bigger appetite. This is still in the works. Thank you for your insights,stay in touch.

Sep 13, 2010
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OT
by: Steven

My son has OT twice a week and speech twice a week as well. Since I first wrote to you, his choice of food has dwindled. It seems that when he encounters something different in his food ( for instance 2 cheerios melded together) he will not eat that piece or any cheerios for weeks. He does this with all food. It is similar to having a bad eating experience and not wanting to eat that food again because of that experience. So anyway we (us and the Occupational Therapist) are going to focus more on his eating in the next few months.

Sep 13, 2010
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Thank you
by: Anonymous

Thank you all. Your contributions and insight has helped us. Just a question for everyone- was your child ever evaluated for occupational or feeding therapy? I know it's a struggle everyday for our families but I think with time, as our kids grow up, they will understand and eat more.thank you for your comments and please keep them coming.

Sep 09, 2010
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Helpful tips for smooth textures, hope it helps
by: Crystal

My son is turning 4 and he only eats crunchy food also. He has been in the 3rd percentile almost his whole life, and he is very active. I got him to try yogurt by adding in some other ingredients. First started off with the Yo Crunch plain yogurt with the mini m&m's you can find at the store. The candy makes it crunchy so it filled his crunch needs.(Made sure to point out the candy and had him watch me pour it in, colors all melt and make it "rainbow yogurt"). Then moved to the granola ones, eventually doing away with it all together. Now he will only eat the trix brand yogurt, and he will drink drinkable yogurts, but still will not drink any kind of milk. I also got him to eat more yogurt by showing him how to dip his graham crackers in it and he will eat it that way also - he usually eats more of the graham crackers than the yogurt but its a start. I also give him cheese on top of crackers to give him more diary along with the crunch factor. I feel your pain.

My son eats limited items - chicken nuggets, bacon, raw carrots (heaven forbid they be cooked!), almost any kind of cracker, but mostly cheese crackers/goldfish, etc. My sons favorite condiment is ketchup. So usually if I put ketchup on something he will at least try it. He doesn't like potatoes (except french fries), but he tried some the other night with the ketchup! He likes to eat mostly snacks, so i just try to find the healthiest snacks to give him that also gives him his daily food requirements. It's a struggle for sure. Other times when he's adamant about eating a certain food (i.e. popcorn) then I tell him he can have it only if he eats something else with it (hot dog, nuggets, pb&j, etc). This way he's getting what he wants and you are getting him to eat what he needs. The fruit cups with the jello/gel work good for him also. The fruit is still kinda crunchy, and it gets him used to the jello type feel also. Hopefully a few of these will help you! Good luck!!

Mar 31, 2010
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my daughter too
by: cindy

that is my world, totally w/mt 2yr old. Some days she is ok, but others , she is like the weather. It is so hard to get her to est, and I am being monitored every week. I try so very hard. one way i can get her to eat is in a swing, but this is not ok w/ the doctors, they keep acting like she is a regular child....she is starting ot, she goes to speech therapy. At speech they had her eat in front of a mirror to watch herself, it worked for a few days, but those few days counted. She eats only crunchy foods, but not a big variety, and i am running out of ideas.
fiance

Mar 24, 2010
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I forgot to mention.......
by: Steven

What is he drinking? My son was taking 18oz of diluted juice and 18 oz of 1% or whole milk per day. After speaking with a nutritionist (unofficially), she felt that he was getting too much of each. She suggested we replace 6 oz milk and 6 oz juice with plain water. AS soon as we did this his appetite increased and he was willing to try other foods. Her thinking was that he was like any other 3yo child. If you give them sweet stuff they will not want anything else. She pointed out that milk is sweet as well as the juice, and that the child would not eat because he was waiting for us to give him his sippy cup. Last thanksgiving my father gave my son some candy (unbeknown to me until after the deed). It was the first time he had ever had candy and he would not eat for five days after that. He kept looking around for the candy. I hope this helps.

Mar 24, 2010
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food problems
by: Anonymous

This is the daily reality for my child, has the same preferences. I made several attempts to improve nutrition. but without result. hope that future research pay more attention to this aspect of the SPD.

Mar 22, 2010
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Don't fret too much
by: steven

My son is like yours. He is three and eats Cheerios, Frosted Mini Wheats, french fries, oatmeal and cream of wheat. We just heard from a developmental pediatrician that cheerios will give him most of what he needs. And then supplement with daily vitamins. Try the cream of wheat or oatmeal with cinnamon, dash nutmeg and brown sugar. Make it SWEEEEEt at first and then gradually reduce sugar. It worked to get our fella eating more.

Nov 16, 2014
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My 2.5 yo only eats crunchy
by: Anonymous

My son has had sensory issues from the beginning. First, he refused the bottle for the first 7 months of life. Once we started solids at 6 months, he hated it. I could barely get him to eat anything. I kept trying. He kept hating it. Around 9 or 10 months I started giving him puffs - the kind he can eat on his own and melt in his mouth. He only liked to eat those. We did Cheerios and sometimes peas and corn (so he could eat on his own), rice, plain pasta, but he preferred the puffs. This went on for months. Around the age of 1 all he ate was goldfish, puffs, crackers, pita chips and other crunchy junk. He did I started taking him to a speech therapist for food therapy. We learned some techniques to help get him to try new foods. I was able to start a few new foods but it was very difficult. I had to get creative on introducing new foods.

Foods that he started eating (and pretty much the only foods he still eats):
Plain pasta with a little salt (I try whole wheat or the "veggie" ones when possible, but often change the shape when possible). I recently tried warming it with olive oil, salt and pepper and it worked.
Plain white or brown rice. Sometimes mixed with each other. Sometimes mixed with white quinoa for protein
Since he won't eat meat I take beans - any variety and I spice them with an police oil and spice mixture and roast them in the oven to get crunchy. This is my go to protein
Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds - my son is allergic to free nuts so I try these when possible. It doesn't always work
Quinoa. Sometimes he will eat the red quinoa cooked (it's sweeter than the white) and sometimes I roast raw quinoa on the frying pan and he eats it like seeds
Power balls - sometimes he eats these - made up of sunbutter, honey, oats, flax seeds, choc chips, chia seeds, hemp seeds
Raw baby carrots
Raw cucumbers
Raw zucchini sometimes
Corn off the cob sometimes
Peas sometimes
Fries sometimes
Popcorn - I try to air pop it myself
Gummy snacks
He doesn't like fruits or sweet things in general most of the time
Dark chocolate bar sometimes
There was a short time he would eat grapes and strawberries
Milk
Apple juice
There was a short time he would drink home made smoothies too
Dry plain cereals - Special K, mix, Cheerios, golden Graham's, apple jacks, froot loops

That's about it. Mostly I have very little he will actually eat and there is very little to no variety each day.

He is not autistic but does have sensory issues. Doesn't like getting messy ever. Recently started touching messy textures but only with a towel nearby. I am looking to find a behavioral food therapist that specializes in feeding therapy.

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My two year old only eats crunchy food

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