Why Pediasure Isn’t Always the Answer: A Feeding Therapist’s Take for Families of Children with Autism

If you’re the parent of a child with autism who struggles to eat, you’ve probably been offered Pediasure at some point. Maybe your pediatrician suggested it. Maybe a well-meaning friend or grandparent bought a case. And I get it—it’s marketed as nutrition in a bottle. But here’s what I want you to know: Pediasure might not be helping in the way you think it is.

As a pediatric feeding therapist, I work with many children on the autism spectrum who have challenges with eating, drinking, and overall nutrition. While Pediasure can sometimes have a role in a medical plan, it often becomes a nutritional crutch that creates more problems than it solves.

Why Pediasure Might Not Be the Best Choice

1. It Reinforces Liquid Dependence

Many autistic children prefer liquids over solids due to sensory sensitivities or oral motor delays. Pediasure, being sweet, smooth, and predictable, can:

Decrease hunger for real food
Delay chewing and texture progression
Reduce motivation to participate in meals

2. High in Sugar and Additives

Pediasure contains up to 18g of sugar per bottle, along with artificial colors, flavors, and emulsifiers. For children who already have gut sensitivities or behavioral challenges, this can:

Spike blood sugar
Affect gut health
Contribute to hyperactivity or reactivity

3. It Reduces Motivation to Try New Foods

Pediasure is calorie-dense and fills kids up fast. This can:

Suppress natural hunger cues
Make it harder to introduce or work on new foods in feeding therapy
Encourage reliance on one preferred food item

4. It Can Become a "Comfort Food" Cycle

For many kids with autism, routine and predictability are soothing. Pediasure’s consistent flavor and texture can lead to:

Over-reliance on one food source
Resistance to new foods
Power struggles during meals

Make it stand out

What to Try Instead
Supporting nutrition doesn’t mean we abandon high-calorie options—but we can be more strategic.
Better Alternatives:
Whole-food smoothies with nut butters, fruits, oats, and healthy fats
Real food-based formulas like *Kate Farms* or *Else Nutrition*
Adding healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, coconut milk) to purees and soft foods
Working with a feeding therapist and dietitian to build variety *and* nutrition

What I Tell Families:

“Pediasure can help in specific medical situations, but for most children with autism and feeding challenges, it can create more hurdles than help.”

This is not about shame. If you’ve been using Pediasure, you’re doing your best. Now you can take the next step: building nutrition skills that last.

Final Thoughts: Support, Not Shame

Feeding is hard. You’re not alone. Whether your child eats five foods or fifty, they deserve a plan that supports their growth and their long-term relationship with food.

Nutrition matters. But so does confidence. So does connection. So does learning to love food one bite at a time.

Contact Little Eaters & Talkers to find out how we can help you and your child’s feeding journey to success!

Step Away from the Pediasure!