Rejected food items should be left on the plate. That is, the child should be expected to cope with the presence of new food items and not be allowed to push them away or throw them into the garbage. Consult your Family Physician, Pediatrician, or Dietician if you are concerned about the quality of your child's diet. They can make suggestions regarding what food groups or elements are missing. Advocating for Your Child with Special Needs Reprinted from the Autism Echo December 2000 newsletter.
Parents are too emotional.
Because of their life experiences, those parents who choose to participate in the decision making process are almost always realistic and knowledgeable. This is precisely the reason they can be effective in the decision making process. They learn the system out of necessity and so can help shape policy and services from a 24-hour practical assessment. Parents who are involved in public policy making are those who have learned that in helping themselves, they help others. Parents always want more.