Improving Mealtime Routines

Young boy crying and screaming during eating

Teaching Mealtime Behaviors Quick Tip: Teach children what TO DO instead of what NOT TO DO. Focus on:

  • Words: Use positive language. Avoid “don’t” instructions. Instead, say what you want them to “do”.
  • Positive Teaching: “Catch” the child doing good things and praise them!
  • Visual Supports: Show the available food choices to the child. Let them choose between a few options.

Tip Sheets

TRIAD Brief Online Training

[Caregivers] Strategies to Start With: Setting up Situations for Success & Responding to Your Child
To access this free training, first register for an account at: triad.vkclearning.org. If you already have an account login here.

TRIAD Video Resources


This 3-minute video provides broad tips and general strategies on Scheduling Mealtime.


This 3-minute video answers caregiver questions on Scheduling Mealtime.


This 3-minute video provides broad tips and general strategies on Mealtime “No, Stop, Don’t”.

 

These resources are provided by Families First, a free program for caregivers of young children (ages 2-7) newly diagnosed with autism. This program has been offered by Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD since 2008.