3 year old child, signs of autism, parents told to cut out bottle. 4 days pasted and child has not taken any liquids the child only eats raw whole apple slices and puffs. she will not touch any other food. the pediatrician has said to hold on for another

Weaning : Weaning any child from a bottle can be tricky. Add autism into the mix and it's just become 10 times harder. The problem is that she is going to have to take a cup eventually, so usually the sooner, the better. Try to remember that it is your job to offer nutritious food and it's her job to eat it. A child will not starve themselves if food is available. The most important thing is to make sure she is staying hydrated. Is she still urinating at least 3-4 times a day? If so, you are in good shape and keep offering the cup. If not, then you need to contact her doctor for another plan of action because it could be dangerous for her to become severely dehydrated. Good luck!

See an OT & SLT ASAP: Pediatric occupational & speech/language therapists are skilled in intensive, repetitive behavioral therapy aimed at helping her achieve a healthy diet. She needs to see a pediatric dentist for children with special needs when stable. Call child find of your public school district to assess her overall development & degree of autism for early childhood special education, also very important at 3.

Go to urgent care: now since dehydration Is a concern. Certainly the liquids a should not continue to be refused by your child for hours on end as dehydration is more important to avoid especially in the Summer. An assessment there is needed for dehydration and possible treatment . With an autistic child transitioning as always done slowly. Hope this helps!

in addition to the above , you might offer a favorite drink in the cup and the least preferred one in the bottle. give a favorite reward for drinking from the cup ,and let him choose a color from an assortment of cups .