What is hypersensitivity to tastes, smells, and food textures?IN BRIEF
Hypersensitivity to tastes, smells, and food textures is a condition known as oral sensory processing disorder. Some tastes, textures, and smells are unbearable, making it impossible for the person to eat foods that trigger these sensations. This is very different from being picky, as the person experiences real distress when trying to consume these foods. Autistic people are more likely to have heightened or reduced sensory sensitivities, but anyone—regardless of diagnosis—can experience this condition.
Hypersensitivity to food tastes, smells and textures
Hypersensitivity to food-related sensory input is called oral sensory processing disorder (or sensory-based oral aversion). The person’s sensitivity is so intense that they cannot consume foods with certain tastes, textures, or smells that trigger discomfort. This is a common experience for autistic individuals.
Symptoms of Oral Sensory Processing Disorder
The symptoms of hypersensitivity to tastes, textures, and smells vary from person to person. It is not necessary to have all the symptoms to be considered hypersensitive, and many symptoms are not listed here.
- Refusal to eat certain foods or entire food groups
- Avoiding foods that touch each other on the plate
- Strong preference for eating the same foods repeatedly
- Nausea or vomiting in response to specific foods
- Slow or difficult chewing
Consequences of Oral Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory-based oral aversion should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to nutritional deficiencies or even malnutrition.
Important
Food hypersensitivity is not a choice or a behavioral issue—it is a real condition. It cannot be overcome through sheer willpower.
Autism and Food-Related Rigidities
Difficulty Adapting to Change
Other autistic traits can also affect eating habits. Autistic people may have cognitive rigidity when it comes to change, making it particularly difficult to introduce new foods. This means a gradual approach is essential. Instead of immediately presenting the new food on the plate, it may be helpful to start by placing it at a distance and progressively bringing it closer over multiple meals. This allows the person to get used to its presence and slowly become more comfortable with the idea of tasting it. Forcing the issue will likely make things worse.
If the person is highly rigid, it is important not to reinforce their rigidity unintentionally—for example, by always serving the same foods on the same day, at the same meal, or in the exact same way. If the person enjoys potatoes, it can help to vary the preparation method, type, presentation, portion, and seasoning to maintain some variety.
What to Do If Hypersensitivity to Food Tastes, Smells, and Textures Becomes a Problem?
Being creative and proactive can help identify the issue and find ways to minimize it.
Separating Foods on the Plate
Keeping foods separate can reduce the variety of stimuli in each bite and lessen visual overwhelm.
Limiting Variety in a Single Meal
Offering fewer different foods or taste profiles (sweet, salty, bitter, sour) in a single meal can make it easier to introduce a wider range of foods over time.
Reducing Food Smells
For some people, strong food smells are the main issue. Eating cold food can help them consume items they wouldn’t otherwise tolerate. Additionally, the person may benefit from eating away from cooking areas or sitting further from the table.
Making Lists of Foods
It can be useful to create a list of problematic foods as well as a list of accepted foods. Regularly offering familiar, accepted foods helps prevent them from becoming rejected over time. The list of problematic foods can also help identify patterns—such as a specific texture being the trigger. Once the root cause is identified, it may be possible to modify the food to make it more tolerable.
Providing Alternatives
Finding alternative foods can help prevent nutritional deficiencies. This might involve cooking the food differently, allowing the person to add a preferred sauce, or blending it into a different texture. If a specific food remains intolerable, it is important to find an alternative that provides the same essential nutrients (vitamins, proteins, minerals, etc.).
When I was young, I had to eat meat with Diana Sauce—my absolute favorite. Without it, the meat felt cold and made my teeth grind.
When to Seek Professional Help?
If the condition is severe, consulting a professional is necessary. Occupational therapists or nutritionists can help develop food introduction protocols and ensure that the person receives adequate nutrition.
Nutritional Supplements
In some cases, it may not be possible to transition the person to a balanced diet. Several professionals, including nutritionists, can provide guidance on dietary supplements.
Important
Many people wrongly believe that no child will allow themselves to starve. This is false. Autistic children with oral sensory issues can refuse food to the point of serious health risks.