7 Reactions an 'Autism Parent' Has to a Food Company Changing Its Packaging

It’s a moment many parents of children with autism dread — finding out a company that makes one of the few foods your child loves has changed packaging. OK, we’re being a little dramatic here, but in all seriousness, for parents deeply invested in making life as comfortable as possible for their kids, a change like this is a big deal.

Because of sensory sensitivities, people with autism often have specific foods that feel and taste good. Many people also find great comfort in routine, so when packaging is changed, it can be jarring.

With that in mind, there are many perfectly reasonable reactions for any parent of a child with autism to have upon discovering a food company has changed its packaging. Here are just a few of them.

1. You panic

“What are we going to do?! My kid’ll starve!”

2. You feel like crying

“But that was her favorite snack…”

3. You buy in bulk all the products with the old packaging

“We’ll build a cellar and fill it with Cheez-Its.”

 

4. You bargain and explain the situation to your child

“Just try it. It’s just the packaging, the food is the same! It will taste the same!”

5. You bargain and explain the situation to the company

“What do you want from me? An arm? A leg? I’ll do anything…”

 

6. You get creative

“I’ll just save the old packaging and keep filling it up… I am a master of disguise.”

 

7. You find them a new favorite snack and pray the packaging never changes

“Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou.”

 

What’s your reaction in this situation? Let us know in the comments below.