What to Do When Your Child Only Eats Pasta and Nuggets

Pasta. Chips. Nuggets. Repeat.

If your neurodivergent child lives on a diet of white and yellow foods, you’re not alone. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with paediatric dietitian Karina Savage to unpack why fussy eating is so common in autistic and ADHD kids — and what you can actually do to help them expand their diet without battles, bribes or tears.

You’ll learn how to lower pressure, build trust around food, and make progress (even if it’s just one new bite at a time).

KEY POINTS

• Start where your child’s at. Understand the sensory, anxiety, or familiarity issues behind food refusal.
• Safe foods first. Keep trusted foods on the plate, and gently introduce “test foods” nearby (but not touching).
• No pressure, no panic. Play with food, don’t police it — mealtimes should feel safe, not stressful.
• Tiny changes matter. Shift from white to wholemeal, add fibre, and celebrate every small win.
• Watch additives. Processed colours and preservatives can worsen attention and behaviour in neurodivergent kids.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Food play in a non-pressured environment builds familiarity and trust — and that’s how progress happens.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Nourish with Karina — Karina Savage’s website and membership for parents
• Happy Families — for more tools to help your family thrive

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. List your child’s “safe foods.” Use this as your base for every meal.
2. Add one “test food” on the side — no pressure to try it.
3. Create calm mealtimes. Avoid forcing or bribing; instead, offer food play and choice.
4. Model variety. Let your child see you enjoying colourful, balanced foods.
5. Aim for progress, not perfection. A little more colour on the plate is a big win.

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