Why do some children with autism spectrum disorder have narrow food preferences?

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autism American artist Chris Murray, who has autism, at work.

Children with autism spectrum disorder often exhibit narrow food preferences due to extreme sensitivity to food textures.1

Approximately 70 percent of children with autism display atypical eating behaviors, which can manifest as early as one year of age. These preferences are often highly specific; for example, a child might only consume foods of a certain color or select only specific food groups, such as grains. These eating patterns are consistent with the broader category of atypical behaviors and interests associated with the disorder, which frequently involve restricted interests and an inflexible adherence to routines.1