Autism Nutritionists and Dietitians in North Kingstown, RI

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Photo of Erin Peters, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Erin Peters
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Erin is a Registered Dietitian who takes a patient-centered, collaborative approach to nutrition. She believes there is no one-size-fits-all plan and works with patients to explore their habits, goals, and lifestyle. Erin creates practical, personalized strategies that fit each person’s life, focusing on sustainable habits, confidence, and a positive relationship with food to support long-term health and well-being.
Erin is a Registered Dietitian who takes a patient-centered, collaborative approach to nutrition. She believes there is no one-size-fits-all plan and works with patients to explore their habits, goals, and lifestyle. Erin creates practical, personalized strategies that fit each person’s life, focusing on sustainable habits, confidence, and a positive relationship with food to support long-term health and well-being.
(848) 306-0658 View (848) 306-0658
Photo of Matthew D'Aria, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LPTA
Matthew D'Aria
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LPTA
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I became a registered dietitian nutritionist to help bring happiness back into people's lives through proper nutrition. I am here to guide you; whether due to an illness, dietary restrictions, weight loss, better athletic performance, or just wanting to try something new.
I became a registered dietitian nutritionist to help bring happiness back into people's lives through proper nutrition. I am here to guide you; whether due to an illness, dietary restrictions, weight loss, better athletic performance, or just wanting to try something new.
(804) 293-3628 View (804) 293-3628
Photo of Maryann Walsh, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MFN, RD, CDE, CMNCS
Maryann Walsh
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MFN, RD, CDE, CMNCS
Online Only
I understand what it's like to juggle the responsibilities of a working parent while also trying to maintain your health. As an RD for nearly 15 years, I have seen trends/fads come and go, and I know what is tried and true, while also staying on top of advancements in research. I specialize in weight management (including GLP-1's), diabetes, chronic fatigue, ADHD, and neurodivergence, and also nutrition for those with mental health or substance abuse disorders. RI patients: I now take BCBS of RI
I understand what it's like to juggle the responsibilities of a working parent while also trying to maintain your health. As an RD for nearly 15 years, I have seen trends/fads come and go, and I know what is tried and true, while also staying on top of advancements in research. I specialize in weight management (including GLP-1's), diabetes, chronic fatigue, ADHD, and neurodivergence, and also nutrition for those with mental health or substance abuse disorders. RI patients: I now take BCBS of RI
(561) 867-7485 View (561) 867-7485
Photo of Kate Thomas - Karuna Wellness Studio, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Karuna Wellness Studio
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Serves Area
You’re overwhelmed. Maybe food feels confusing, or your body feels like a mystery. You’re managing chronic disease, disordered eating, digestive issues, anxiety, picky eating, or meal planning burnout—and you’re done with diets and one-size-fits-all advice. You’re looking for someone who gets it and who will guide you with compassion, evidence, and real-life strategies. Our ideal client wants to feel well physically and mentally—not perfect, just more like themselves again. Parents come to us looking for the same support—for their children, teens, or the whole family.
You’re overwhelmed. Maybe food feels confusing, or your body feels like a mystery. You’re managing chronic disease, disordered eating, digestive issues, anxiety, picky eating, or meal planning burnout—and you’re done with diets and one-size-fits-all advice. You’re looking for someone who gets it and who will guide you with compassion, evidence, and real-life strategies. Our ideal client wants to feel well physically and mentally—not perfect, just more like themselves again. Parents come to us looking for the same support—for their children, teens, or the whole family.
(781) 296-8084 View (781) 296-8084
Autism Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is the link between autism and diet?
While there is no evidence to suggest that autism is caused by diet, some individuals with autism face challenges related to food that highlight the importance of considering how diet and autism may be connected. Studies have shown that individuals with autism are more likely to have inadequate food intake compared to the general population. Many people with autism experience feeding issues due to sensory-related challenges. Just as loud sounds or bright lights can trigger sensory overload, the consistency, texture, smell, and strong taste of some foods can similarly cause sensory overload for individuals with autism, potentially leading to food aversion and/or malnutrition. Additionally, studies have indicated that individuals with autism often have different concentrations of bacteria within their gut microbiome, which may influence their response to food; however, much more research is needed to fully understand this connection.

What is autism food aversion?
Autism-related food aversion occurs when individuals with autism strongly dislike specific foods. This aversion is often triggered by sensory experiences such as texture, taste, smell, or how the food is presented. Some individuals with autism may also avoid certain foods due to concerns about choking or difficulty swallowing. The specific foods that individuals with autism avoid can vary widely. For example, crunchy foods like chips or carrots may be avoided due to the intense sensory experience they provide when eaten. On the other hand, soft foods with a gooey texture, such as applesauce or cottage cheese, may also trigger food aversion because of their specific textures.

What diet is best for people with autism?
There is no single best diet for individuals with autism, but experts generally recommend a balanced, plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat proteins. However, due to potential food aversions, maintaining this balanced diet can be challenging for some. In such cases, experimenting with different foods and cooking methods may become important to ensure adequate nutrition. For example, while raw vegetables may be off-putting to some with autism due to sensory-related aversions, cooking them might make them more appealing and easier to consume. This illustrates that the presentation and preparation of food can often be more crucial than the specific type of food consumed. Ultimately, this tailored approach to individual sensory sensitivities and preferences can be essential to ensure that individuals with autism can still meet their nutritional needs.

Should people with autism see a dietitian?
Individuals with autism may benefit from seeing a dietitian if their challenges around food are impacting their ability to eat a healthy and balanced diet. For instance, if food-related sensory issues are limiting the ability of someone with autism to eat essential vitamins and minerals, a dietitian may be able to suggest strategies to overcome these challenges. It is important to look for a dietitian who has expertise in autism, as not all dietitians may be knowledgeable about working with individuals on the autism spectrum. In addition, it is important to look for a dietitian who is willing to work with other professionals of the individual's care team, such as therapists, who may also be working on topics related to food.