Tag Archives: Autie Nuggets

My First “Meme” – Autie Nuggets!

From Wikipedia:  Internet Meme – An Internet meme is an idea that is propagated through the World Wide Web. The idea may take the form of a hyperlink, video, picture, website, hashtag, or just a word or phrase, such as intentionally misspelling the word “more” as “moar” or “the” as “teh”. The meme may spread from person to person via social networksblogs, direct email, news sources, or other web-based services.

I am ashamed to admit that, prior to yesterday, I had never heard of this term.  But my Facebook friend MarsupialMama (or Twitter) suggested to me that we start one, based on an idea I had this morning. My idea was born this morning, following serving my food-averse autistic toddler chicken nuggets for breakfast.  Just like dinner last night.  Just like the previous lunch.  He, like thousands of ASD kids, has severe food aversions.  At this point, he has eliminated almost every food he used to eat, and we are down to chicken nuggets and various forms of bread.  He will not eat beans, rice, pasta, fruits, vegetables, cheese, or even ice cream.  His food must be dry and either round or square.  I know I am not alone in this.  So I got to thinking.  Here’s my idea, from my Facebook page:

The Autie Nugget 

“For you entrepreneurial types, I have a GREAT idea: Speciality chicken nuggets! Seriously. Chicken nuggets containing veggies, beans, whole grains – lots of varieties. You could even do a chicken nugget shaped fruity type of dessert [Fruit Fritters]. Frozen, non-toxic, [vitamin-enriched] and ready to heat. I’ll even name it for you – Autie Nuggets. If you’ll perfect, market, and ship ’em in dry ice, I won’t even ask for a portion of the profits. Admit it. I’m brilliant. And if you tell me it has already been invented and is currently being sold, I’ll accept my non-brilliance and declare that guy brilliant instead.  [Furthermore], if somebody, [based upon our plea], invents and sells them – and my son eats them – I will give free advertising [and promote via social networking] for life on my blog. No, REALLY.” 

Suggestions:  

1.  Smell is going to be important.  If it doesn’t smell like a chicken nugget, a lot of ASD kids will refuse to eat it.

2.  Shape is non-negotiable.  It must resemble a standard chicken nugget.  No variations possible, as- again – ASD kids will refuse to eat it.

3.  Color must be standard as well.  It needs to be golden, with a crispy outer surface.  And the coating will need to stay on the nugget.  

4.  The texture will have to also resemble a firm chicken nugget.  If it falls apart, ASD kids will refuse to touch it again.  

5.  One reader suggested the veggie blend remain in the center of the nugget.  Not sure if that’s possible, but it seems like a good idea.  I’m thinking the outer layer will have to be chicken for the outside texture to be right.

So, readers and bloggers, what do you think?  Want to help spread the word for someone to invent these?  It could change the nutritional intake for autistic children with severe food aversions everywhere.  It’s a call to action – somebody, somewhere, please create and sell a healthy version of the Autie Nugget!

Bloggers:  If you will promote the idea, I’ll add you to my blogroll.  Yes, I know that’s kind of an anti-climactic incentive, but it’s all I’ve got to offer you.  LOL  😉