4 Simple Recipes to Teach Kids with Autism

4 Simple Recipes to Teach Kids with Autism: Cooking can be a fun and educational activity for children with autism, and a great way to teach them about healthy eating, math, and social skills, while also providing sensory stimulation. Cooking together also provides a wonderful opportunity for connection and often a well-need break away from screens. Here are four simple recipes that are easy to make and can help children with autism develop a range of valuable skills.  

1. Kids with Autism: Guacamole

Guacamole is a simple and delicious recipe that is perfect for children with autism. It is a healthy dip that is easy to make and can be perfectly paired with veggies or sea salt protein chips, which can be especially handy if you worry about your child not getting enough protein. 

You will need:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup tomato, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit and scoop the flesh out into a bowl
• Mash the avocado with a fork or potato masher until it is as smooth a consistency as you would like
• Add all the other ingredients to the bowl and mix well
• Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes and serve

Making guacamole is a great way to help develop your child’s fine motor skills as they mash the avocado, chop the veggies, and stir the ingredients together. It can also help them learn about making healthy eating choices and how they can still be delicious.

2. Homemade Pizza

Pizza is delicious as a snack or meal loved by most, and there are plenty of toppings you can use to make it suit individual tastes – the topping combination options are virtually endless! Making homemade pizza is also a great way to teach children with autism about measurements, fractions, and how to follow recipe directions. 

You will need:

• 1 pre-made pizza base (or by all means make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, etc.)

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
• Place the pre-made pizza crust on a baking sheet
• Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the crust
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce
• Add the toppings of your choice and make it fun with patterns or concentrate on even layering
• Bake in the oven for around 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the base is nice and crispy

Making homemade pizza can help an autistic child develop their math skills by measuring the ingredients and understanding fractions. Pizza is also a creative food to make and can be a fun way to combine different foods as toppings. 

3. Fruit Salad

Fruit salad can be a healthy, fun recipe perfect for children with autism, as it is easy to make and you can customize it with your child’s favorite fruits. 

You will need:

• 1 apple, chopped
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 cup strawberries, chopped
• 1 cup grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup blueberries

Method:

• Gently wash and chop all of the fruit up
• Combine the fruit in a bowl and mix well
• Serve the fruit salad immediately or store it in the fridge in an air-tight container until ready to serve

Making fruit salad is an excellent way to teach your child about healthy eating and familiarize them with the different colors and textures of fruit. It’s common for autistic children to struggle with picky eating and food aversions, and the more engaging and fun you make the process, the more chance you have of getting them to try new fruits.

4. Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry

Stir fry is a healthy and easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for getting the children involved. You can customize the dish with their favorite vegetables and serve it over rice or noodles, whichever they prefer. 

You will need:

• 1 pound chicken breasts,  boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons oil (olive, vegetable, whatever your preference)
• 2 cups mixed, chopped vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
• Add the chicken and cook for around 6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through
• Add the veggie mix and cook for an additional 6 minutes or so, until the vegetables are tender
• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, honey, and salt and pepper to make a sauce
• Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to combine
• Serve over rice or noodles

Making stir fry at home can help your child develop their cooking skills by learning how to chop and sauté, as well as teaching them about healthy eating and enjoying veggies.

Making memories

Cooking can be a fun and educational activity for children with autism, and an opportunity for you to create family experiences and make happy memories. Teaching children to cook is of great value to them in the long term, and for autistic children, it can really help strengthen their relationship with healthy food varieties. So grab an apron and get chopping!