Sensory Guide to Feeding Difficulties
Have you got a child who appears to have difficulty with feeding? Do they struggle to try new foods? Do you wonder what is the reason behind their aversion to certain foods?
https://doi.org/10.1044/sasd20.3.60
What does the latest research show about the fussy eater?
Research has shown that there are many possible causes behind a child’s refusal to even entertain the idea of trying certain foods. The reasons for food aversion can include previous and possibly traumatic eating difficulties or events such as choking, gagging or vomiting and these may happen in isolation or in conjunction to medical reasons or delays in development (Overland, L. 2011). In addition, children may have difficulty chewing or swallowing due to delays in oral-motor skills. The result of these previous difficulties can be that a feeding difficulty develops, and children have a sensory reaction to food and refuse to eat certain textures (Overland, L. 2011).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2013.06.009
How can a Speech Pathologist help your fussy eater?
It is important that a specialist such as a speech pathologist examines any child with feeding difficulties through an oral motor exam as well as an assessment of the child while they are eating foods with a variety of textures if possible.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?
Sensory aversion to food can also be due to diagnoses such as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Footage of the human brain has shown that there is a marked difference in children with SPD in comparison to typically developing children (Owen et al., 2013). Children with SPD may experience texture, taste or smell more acutely. So, if you find that your child sticks to food of a certain texture or taste or they prefer foods of a certain colour or protests when their foods touch each other this is quite possibly down to their own sensory preferences. It is also important to note that younger children do often prefer carbohydrates which can be bland in colour examples include bread, potatoes, pasta and chicken nuggets.
Therapy conducted by a speech pathologist should be fun for the child, with the goals of expanding the variety and quantity a child eats and allowing them to experience different smells, tastes and textures. It may also consist of helping with the development of oral-motor skills if required (Addison et al., 2012).
https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2012.45-455
How can a parent help their fussy eater?
Children will explore eating as toddlers. This means touching, tasting swallowing and often at times spitting it out. Seeing a caregiver enjoying food is ideal. They often enjoy playing with their food, throwing it off highchairs or squishing it through their fingers. This is often observed when a young child has a cake and smashes it with their fingers / hand exploring the taste of cake for the first time. No matter how messy it is, it is advisable to set time aside and a messy area to allow this to happen as freedom to do this is important.
Do not worry if your child stops liking a certain food. This happens for children and adults. Please note children can start liking foods again after a period of time.