With health and wellness being a trendy hot topic right now, you may have a general understanding of what healthy eating entails and can list the foods that support a child's healthy development. But, what if your child is a picky eater and you have tried everything under the sun? What if your child refuses fruits and vegetables despite motivating bribes, treats, and rewards?
I am here to provide support and guidance. I fully understand that yes, in fact, this struggle is real. I have worked closely with families and witnessed mealtime-induced tantrums, meltdowns, outbursts, and blood-curdling screams when a child is encouraged to try new, or unfamiliar, healthy foods. If you have a picky eater at home, you know exactly what I'm talking about. In fear of your child going to bed hungry, it's natural instinct to give them the foods they will eat rather than putting up a tiresome fight. You are not alone.
There are many reasons why children can be picky eaters. Here are two common reasons:
1. Sensory Processing Disorder: One reason children avoid certain foods may be caused by difficulties in the sensory processing system, the system that helps our brains process our external environment through our senses (taste, touch, smell, sound, sight, vestibular, proprioception). Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) occurs when the brain has difficulty processing information it receives through the senses. It exists on a spectrum and affects one or more of the senses and typically is noted with varying degrees of over sensitivity or decreased sensitivity. It is common in children on the autism spectrum and those diagnosed with ADHD/ADD. It is possible for children who are "typically" developing to show symptoms of SPD.
For children with SPD, a child's sense of taste or touch can be heightened or "over-responsive". This impacts the way he/she perceives flavors, temperature, or textures. For example, yogurt may feel extra slimy or cold. An apple might be too crunchy or hard. Broccoli or brussel sprouts may smell too pungent. Some children may even be sensitive to the way they hear sounds of chewing. If your child is experiencing these symptoms, it is no wonder he/she is avoiding certain foods. They most likely feel anxious and associate eating new foods as "scary" due to negative mealtime experiences. When a young child feels scared or anxious, these meltdowns will come full force because it is not easy to communicate such complex emotions or why they dislike certain foods.
2. Food sensitivities or allergies: A child who is eating "trigger" foods may experience an upset stomach, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, rashes, among other symptoms. A child who cannot express themselves may associate mealtime as unpleasant and painful and act out in distress. It is important to identify potential foods that your child may be sensitive or allergic to which can lead to serious health conditions down the line. Every body reacts to and tolerates foods differently, which is why my approach is not a "one size fits all" model.
As an occupational therapist with experience and knowledge of sensory processing and child development, I can help your child overcome these sensory processing barriers that are preventing him/her from getting the vital nutrients needed to grow healthy and strong, both physically and mentally. My deep understanding of nutrition will guide you to choose the foods that best suit your child's specific nutritional needs. Small changes over time add up and will make a huge difference in your child’s ability to explore, learn, and experience the world around them.
Take a quick survey below to see if the services I provide can support your family. If you answered yes to any of the questions below, your child may benefit from my holistic occupational therapy approach.
1. Does your child have any nutritional deficiencies or food intolerances/allergies?
2. Does your child have a very limited diet (fewer than 10 foods) and have strict preferences (e.g. avoids certain textures, flavors, smells)?
3. Does your child appear to have bouts of extreme high or low energy throughout the day?
4. Does your child throw tantrums or is easily irritated?
5. Does your child suffer from frequent colds or flus?
6. Is your child underweight or overweight?
7. Is your child delayed in meeting developmental milestones (e.g. fine motor and gross motor skills, language delays)?
8. Has your child been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or ADHD/ADD?
9. Did your doctor recommend eliminating certain foods but you are unsure how to implement these changes?
10. Does your child get upset with schedules changes or sensitive to try new places and extremely shy around new people?
Please contact me for a complementary phone consultation to see how I can best support you and your family.