Popcorn
So many kids, especially kids with special needs, like to have snacks that are the same every time. They prefer goldfish crackers to blueberries because a blueberry might taste and feel and look a little different each time. There is comfort in predictability.
But, for parents, there is comfort in feeding your kids snacks that are healthy. Air-popped popcorn may be a perfect way to meet in the middle.
It comes out the same every time. In our house, we spray it with a little olive oil and either put on salt or parmesan cheese (Mikey always chooses the cheese). An air popper like this one costs between $15 and $30. The kernels are very cheap and you can even find organic popcorn kernels online.
One Thought
If your child is a sensory seeker, the sound will probably amuse them or make them laugh. But, if your child is very sensitive to loud noises, pop it when they’re watching TV in another room, playing outside, at school or fast asleep. Then just keep it in a bowl with a lid until they’re ready to eat some.
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About the Author
Erica Mauro is a mom to two teenage boys, Will who is neurotypical and Michael with Autism and cognitive delays. She holds a BA in Psychology from Colgate University and a Masters of Psychology in Education from Columbia Teacher’s College. Before staying home with her children, she worked as an elementary school teacher. For five years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation, a charity dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs. In partnership with her husband Dave, she aspires to parent by using daily life as an opportunity for therapeutic intervention, seizing on real experiences as opportunities to build skills and strategies for Michael in a joyful, loving home environment. On the tougher early days, she just tried to get everyone safely to bedtime and start fresh in the morning. *wink* 
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