If you have a child on the spectrum—or honestly, even just a strong-willed picky eater—you already know that food can be… complicated. It’s not just about “what’s for dinner.” It’s about textures, smells, routines, comfort, and sometimes a very specific brand or preparation that simply has to be right.
In our house, we’re deep in a “safe food” phase, and right now Troy is completely hooked on President’s Choice Butter Chicken.
The Reality of “Safe Foods”
Spectrum kids often gravitate toward what’s familiar and predictable. These “safe foods” become a go-to because they:
- Taste the same every single time
- Have a consistent texture
- Feel comforting and reliable
- Remove the anxiety of trying something new
And when they find one they love? That’s it. Game over. It’s on repeat.
For Troy, that means butter chicken… all day, every day.
Troy’s Current Food Obsession
Let me tell you—this isn’t just a phase where he likes it. He is fully committed.
Breakfast? Butter chicken.
Lunch? Butter chicken.
Dinner? You guessed it… butter chicken.
And honestly? I’m not even mad about it.
Why This Butter Chicken Is a Win
If you haven’t tried it before, I’m going to say it straight:
You will probably love it.
This isn’t one of those bland, questionable frozen meals. It’s actually:
- Flavorful – rich, savoury tomato-based sauce
- Filling – generous chunks of chicken
- Comforting – fluffy rice that soaks everything up perfectly
- Affordable – about $5 per meal (which is a huge win right now)
For a “safe food,” this one checks a lot of boxes nutritionally too. He’s getting protein, carbs, and something warm and satisfying—not just surviving on crackers or plain noodles.
Why Convenience Matters
One of the biggest struggles with picky eating is accessibility.
Troy can’t safely use the stove without close supervision yet, so having something:
- Microwaveable
- Quick to prepare
- Consistent every time
…makes a huge difference in his independence and confidence.
It’s not just about feeding him—it’s about letting him feel capable.
He doesn’t like his food to touch each other, I have debated getting these plates with separate compartments. But Troy is pretty reasonable as long as you can space his food out on the plate enough not to touch each other.
The Funny (and Challenging) Side of Spectrum Eating
Spectrum kids are honestly kind of amazing when it comes to commitment. When they like something, they really like it.
But it also comes with challenges:
- Trying new foods can feel impossible
- Grocery shopping becomes very specific
- You panic a little when the store runs out
- You quietly buy 6–10 at a time “just in case”
(If you know, you know.)
And yes—eventually they might get sick of it… or they might not. That’s always the gamble.
Finding the Positives
Instead of fighting it, I’ve learned to look at the wins:
- He’s eating consistently
- He’s getting real nutrition (he is underweight)
- He’s happy and satisfied
- Mealtimes are stress-free (for now!)
Sometimes, that’s more important than variety. I have made other versions of butter chicken and he will eat it but this meal is so easy to have available for him to heat up and make on his own. That is a huge step for a spectrum kid, some are better than others at kitchen safety but for Troy it is one of his biggest challenges.
A Little Encouragement for Other Parents
If you’re dealing with a picky eater or a spectrum kid, you’re not alone. It can feel frustrating, exhausting, and even a little worrying—but phases like this are normal.
Lean into what works.
Celebrate the small wins.
And if your kid finds a food they love that actually has some nutritional value? That’s a parenting victory.
Let’s Talk
Do you have a spectrum kid at home?
What’s their current “safe food”?
Are you in a chicken nugget phase, a plain pasta era, or something totally random?
I’d love to hear what’s working (or not working!) in your house 💛
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