Eating meals together is a wonderful time to connect as a family. Though, it can come with increased stress when your child is a picky or problem eater. Many of the children we see for feeding therapy experience stress related to specific foods/food groups due to a variety of factors. For example, some children are sensitive to certain foods due to sensory properties including texture, temperature, flavor, and/or appearance. Oral motor deficits, medical challenges, difficulty with self feeding, postural differences, pressure to eat, and having experienced a choking/gagging episode may be additional causes for increased stress leading up to mealtimes.
Our philosophy when working with a child with feeding challenges is gentle, affirming, and individualized to their comfort level. Through parent coaching, practicing meal time strategies, and learning about food that they are interested in, we provide a space that promotes confidence during meal times.
