Why feeding therapy?
A child that is a picky eater or will not eat at all can be stressful for everyone in the family. A mealtime that would normally be a time of conversation and reflection becomes a dreaded event, at times leading to gags, retching and tears.
There are many reasons why a child may have feeding difficulties. It may be a sensory processing deficit in conjunction with autism spectrum disorder or other diagnosis, or a motor deficit stimming from a neurological diagnosis such as cerebral palsy.
Some children have aversions to foods most of us commonly eat. These “picky eaters” may refuse to try or eat certain foods. A physician or nutritionist may simply tell parents to have their child “eat more” nutrient-dense foods. Armed with a list of items their child should eat – say hummus and sliced bell peppers – may only exacerbate the problem.
Instead, with medical guidance from the physician and a food list from the nutritionist, speech and occupational therapists can help a child explore different tastes, smells, colors and textures, working to overcome the sensory fears and motor deficits. With feeding therapy, mealtimes can become easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
Let Arbor Therapy assist your loved one to address any feeding concerns
