3-year old autistic child refusing to eat

[sandobanano]

3-year old autistic child refusing to eat
by sandobanano, less than a minute ago
3-year old autistic child refusing to eat
by sandobanano, 10 minutes ago
3-year old autistic child refusing to eat
by sandobanano, 1 hour ago
Tags: autistic toddler
My daughter is going through a "very nasty divorce".  It began about 8 months ago.  My 3-year old grandson who has autism and/or mental retardation is living primarily at my daughter's house and sees his dad every other weekend and 1 afternoon a week.  For approximately the last couple of weeks my grandson is starting to refuse the foods he was previously eating.  He is a special needs child and is in pre-school with excellent teachers/staff.  He is beginning to really take off at school.  However, like I said, he is refusing to eat, even his favorite food which is french fries.  He has been on a special diet for over a year now due to his health issues and it has never been a problem getting him to eat.

COULD THIS DIVORCE AND THE MOVE TO THE NEW HOME be causing his refusal of food?  We are getting very, very concerned.  However, it doesn't seem to concern the "father".

[Loma1003]

I agree with lilpearl13. I have the same issues with my 6 year old son. He does not eat well. I have asked so many people for advice, and, well, they all seem to tell me the same thing; his pediatrician also said this. Give him what he likes. Try new foods, but, slowly. Don't expect for him to like them right away. And give him vitamins. PediaSure is also a very good nutritional supplement. I know, they are espensive, but, hey, it is worth it.  Hope this comment helps you, and I wish you Good Luck!

[lilpearl13]

Absolutely.
Change is so hard for these guys.
One small change in my daughters routine and I wont be able to get her to sleep or she'll wake up in the middle of the might and wont go back to sleep.  She's four.
Have you thought of writing a social story to help him understand what's going on?  They could help.  Also, maybe give him a visual of food choices and get him to pick one.  Get him involved in the food making/choosing more.  Try and make it a really positive time.
Good luck!