Can't Eat, Won't Eat: Dietary Difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorders [Paperback]

Brenda Legge (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1853029742 | ISBN-13: 978-1853029745 | Publication Date: November 25, 2008 | Edition: 1

Finding out that your child has Asperger Syndrome can be devastating enough, but when you discover that he or she won't eat 99.9 per cent of all food and drink in the known universe, the fun really starts. This was the situation the author found herself in a decade ago when her son first took a dislike to milk, and then to virtually every other substance she attempted to feed him. Her book was written to reassure other parents that there are lots of people out there in the same boat, and to suggest practical methods of dealing with the problem. As well as drawing on her own experience, the author has spoken to parents, children, and professionals with first-hand knowledge of dietary difficulties, and their advice and comments form a key part of the book.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Brenda Legge is a freelance writer. She has written extensively on home improvement and DIY topics and has also written fiction for children and worked on medical and catering trade journals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley; 1 edition (November 25, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1853029742
• ISBN-13: 978-1853029745
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #533,629 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Show this book to your child's doctor and others who bug you, May 10, 2002

By 

Denise (Larchmont, NY, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Can't Eat, Won't Eat: Dietary Difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorders (Paperback)

Welllll.....all I can say is "me too" to the author and thousands of other parents who go through this and being accused of 1) incompetent parenting and or 2) lack of discipline; and, child accused of an "eating disorder" etc. ad nauseum. My child never could drink milk, sensitive to texture, taste, smell and this is all covered in this book. I understood this from the autistic spectrum point of view but others certainly don't!!! I now arm myself with this book when visiting the pediatrician and hand it to people who "know everything better than I do" about how children *should* eat - they lose interest in being critical (but of course don't bother to really read it). My child throughout the week eventually eats enough to have a balanced diet and is very healthy - I respect her sensory difficulties and I respect her. Our children on the spectrum certainly don't need any more hassles than life presents them. Thank you Brenda Legge for putting all this in writing and publication, since docs rarely listen to parents and know everything (ha!)

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Now we can all be thankful for chicken nuggets and fries., February 16, 2003

By 

Sharon L. Faulk "linnefaulk" (Wesley Chapel, FL United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Can't Eat, Won't Eat: Dietary Difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorders (Paperback)

This book was filled mostly with anecdotes of other familes and their struggles with food and autism. I was expecting more suggestions and things I didn't know or hadn't tried.
But it helped to know that we are not alone. And hearing from children and adults with autism was very helpful.
It really put things into perspective and know that my children have less problems than others that physically get sick around "offensive" food.
Basically the biggest idea in this book was not to give up trying. Eventually you should see some improvement in your child's eating habits.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, July 4, 2006

By 

Karen Maher - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Can't Eat, Won't Eat: Dietary Difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorders (Paperback)

This book is fantastic. As a mother of an 8 year old with Asperger's, it has given me a sense of relief that my son isn't too bad with his limited food choices. The tips on presenting foods will be invaluable. After reading the book, I no longer feel like an inadequate, poor mother who panders to tantrums over food. Thoroughly recommended reading for all parents who have concerns about their childs diet, whether special needs or not. Will also be recommending this book to other family members who criticise when I bring my son's own food to special occasions and outings outside our home environment.