Cooking Together with an Autistic Person

Special children are often very selective about food, but if parents teach them to cook, it can be the best way to change their habits. Additionally, cooking together provides an opportunity for communication, and the process stimulates the senses. It’s not difficult to distract a child from the screen — there are several simple recipes that can be tried.

1. Guacamole — a delicious and healthy dip that is easy to make and pairs well with vegetables or many other dishes.
   Ingredients:

1. • 2 ripe avocados
   • Chopped onion (to taste)
   • Chopped tomatoes (to taste)
   • A little chopped cilantro
   • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
   • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. • Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
   • Mash the avocados with a fork or potato masher to your desired consistency.
   • Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
   • Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving.

Making guacamole is a great way to help develop fine motor skills as the child mashes the avocado, chops vegetables, and mixes the ingredients. It also helps them realize that healthy food can be tasty.

2. Pizza is not the healthiest dish, but it’s loved by many, especially because you can use various ingredients according to personal preferences. Making pizza is also an excellent way to teach autistic children how to measure ingredients and follow recipe instructions.
   Ingredients:

1. • 1 pre-made pizza base (or you can easily make your own)
   • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or any sauce you prefer)
   • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
   • Sausage, vegetables, or a combination of both

Preparation:

1. • Preheat the oven to about 220°C.
   • Place the pizza base on a baking sheet.
   • Evenly spread the sauce on the base.
   • Sprinkle the sauce with mozzarella.
   • Add the toppings and garnish with cilantro.
   • Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the base becomes crispy and golden.

Making homemade pizza can help a child develop math skills as they measure ingredients. Moreover, pizza can be made in various ways, combining different products as toppings.

3. Fruit Salad is a healthy food option that’s perfect for children with autism, as it’s easy to make. You can also customize it by adding the child’s favorite fruits.
   Ingredients:

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

Preparation:

1. • Wash and slice all the fruits carefully.
   • Mix them in a bowl and stir well.
   • The salad is ready to serve, but you can keep it in the fridge in an airtight container.

Preparing such a salad is a great way to teach the child about healthy eating and introduce them to different colors and flavors of fruits. However, autistic children are often picky eaters, so it’s important to make the process as fun as possible.

4. Fried Chicken with Vegetables is a healthy and easy-to-make dish, perfect for getting children involved. You can customize it with their favorite vegetables and serve it with rice or noodles, depending on their preference.
   Ingredients:

1. • 500g chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into small pieces
   • 2 tablespoons oil (olive oil, vegetable oil, or any oil of your choice)
   • 2 cups mixed and chopped vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
   • 1/4 cup soy sauce
   • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
   • 1 teaspoon honey
   • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. • Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked.
   • Add the vegetables and cook until soft.
   • In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, honey, salt, and pepper.
   • Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables, and stir well.

This dish helps the child develop culinary skills as they learn how to chop and fry ingredients, as well as introduce them to healthy eating and vegetable consumption.

Cooking together is a great way to improve communication, develop a sense of responsibility, reduce anxiety, and build practical skills that will be useful in adulthood. Plus, a dish made by hand will make anyone involved in its creation proud. However, cooking is not a treatment method, unlike stem cell therapy, which is currently the most effective technology for eliminating autism, not just its symptoms.

Stem cell transplantation helps replace damaged cells with healthy analogs, leading to rapid and long-term (often lifelong) positive results. This approach is widely recognized and practiced in leading clinics worldwide, including the Mardaleishvili Medical Center. The center’s doctors have extensive successful experience with stem cell therapy and have access to state-of-the-art equipment. Additionally, the center offers services at a lower cost compared to other countries, along with assistance in travel planning and other logistical matters.

Eliminate autism — and cook for your health!