picky eater program.
Do you find getting your little ones to try new foods tricky? Do not worry; you are not alone! Many children have their favourite dishes and food preferences, which can make meal planning a bit difficult. Up to 50% of kids might refuse to try new foods, so there’s nothing unusual if your child is one of them.
The key is staying positive and encouraging them to try different foods. While most children go through a “picky” or “fussy” eating phase, knowing when to seek professional advice is essential.
when to seek professional support
Generally, fussy eaters will still maintain a healthy weight for their age. However, in cases where a child is experiencing poor growth, low weight, nutritional deficits, or social difficulties, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) might be diagnosed because of “fussy eating” or food avoidance. This could be due to sensory sensitivity or bad experiences with eating, such as choking or gagging.
Fussy or picky eating habits can stem from a range of things, including touch, taste, smell, or coordination issues. Some children may avoid certain textures, colours, and strong flavours or prefer dry foods. Others may have an anxiety response to food, seek crunchy/chewy foods, or avoid bland tastes. Finally, some may struggle with biting, chewing, gagging, or swallowing food.
If you’re concerned about your child’s feeding, it is best to consult a professional, depending on your child’s fussy eating issues. Our team of therapists can help identify the causes of the disorder and provide the support needed to overcome it. Therapeutic support may include time with a dietitian, speech pathologist and/or occupational therapist.
which therapy would suit my child?
If your child has difficulty swallowing, coughs, gags, or has long mealtimes, consider getting a swallowing assessment from a speech pathologist. On the other hand, if your child refuses to eat a variety of foods, has sensory issues, or struggles with using cutlery, an occupational therapist could assist in developing tolerance to different textures and feeding skills.
We understand it can be frustrating for parents to get nutritious food into their little ones, especially if your child is battling against you, refusing to eat, or struggling at mealtimes. But the first step is knowing that this is your child’s way of communicating that something about eating is challenging.
Remember, you have got this! Together, we can help your little one overcome their picky eating habits and develop healthy eating habits for life! Contact our team of therapists today to chat about available support and assistance.
Inclusions.
1
parent education session.
1
child assessment session.
8
one-hour therapy sessions.
+
regular therapy progress updates.
+
practical tips to support your child at home.
We make the process fun & engaging for your child, so they feel comfortable & motivated to try new foods.
Picky Eater Program.
Introducing our 10-week picky eater’s program, designed to help your child overcome their fussy eating habits and develop healthy eating habits for life. Our occupational therapy program is tailored to your child’s needs, providing individualised support and guidance every step of the way.
Our experienced occupational therapists will work with you and your child to identify the underlying causes of their picky eating, such as sensory sensitivity or coordination issues. We’ll develop a personalised plan to help your child gradually expand their food preferences, increase their tolerance to different textures and tastes, and learn new feeding skills.
Do not let your child’s fussy eating habits hold them back any longer. Sign up for our 10-week picky eaters’ program today and watch your child develop healthy eating habits for life. Contact us to book your first session!
The picky eater program includes the following:
- 1 x one-hour parent education session.
- 1 x one-hour assessment session.
- 8 x one-hour therapy sessions.
- regular progress updates.
- tips for developing healthy habits at home.
Therapy sessions will be conducted where your child and one caregiver work with our Occupational Therapists in a fun and engaging environment.
