You are making the same mistake that so many others are. You are trying to cover kids with behavior problems with the protective blanket of the ‘spectrum’.
Kids with real autism have real problems.
‘High functioning’ kids who misbehave has parents who have bought a ‘spectrum’ diagnosis to cover their shortcomings as parents.
Refusing to eat carrots and celery isn’t a disability.
Yes, there are plenty of “self-diagnosed” “spectrum” people out there, (or diagnosed by their parents first and then an actual diagnosis obtained by doctor shopping).
At least one study has shown convincing evidence that there is a social phenomenon at work, in that diagnosis rates of autism increase in an area only after one child is diagnosed and parents in the area come into contact with them. I think it’s a mild form of Munchausen-by-proxy going on aided by the fact that changing the diagnostic criteria to a “spectrum disorder” made it easy to try to shoehorn anyone who is a little strange into the nebulous “spectrum”.
My son is one of these “high functioning” autism spectrum kids and I can tell you it is real and can be rather intense.
I know several other non-functional autistic children and they are not even close to being manageable.
From birth, he has been a challenge and a joy.
After a LOT of work and persistence, he graduated with honors and earned his Eagle.
During this time, he has been in special education groups until he was mainstreamed into his high school.
He has had to learn how to deal with it and with others who do not understand. With great persistence and determination, he has overcome his challenges and is now in college doing computer engineering.
He had a few bad teachers and teaching assistants along the way. His mother was totally involved with his schooling and got them handled.
In a situation like this, I can see getting them what they will eat during young ages but they will need to learn ways around it. The very young have the most trouble and empathy goes a long way.
Dr. Asburger found during WWII that Autism is related to genius and if you eliminate the Autism gene, you remove the possibility of genius.
Parents should tell him to enjoy his banana bread in peace and joy. He doesn’t have to share it with anybody and nobody should shame him about his food choices. I imagine many others are jealous about not having to eat their crap.
The parents need to get involved with the teachers and stop this.
Children who are high functioning do not have to stay in the Autism system and can actually be very successful after working past the label.
Talk to some more people who are dealing with this. It can be difficult but very rewarding.
There is another side to it.