Common feeding concerns addressed by our Intuitive Feeding program:
Hesitant Feeder ("Picky Eaters")
Hesitant Feeders, commonly known as "Picky Eaters" are individuals who struggle with mealtimes and may have limited food preferences. Commonly these children will have meltdowns at mealtimes, be unwilling to try new foods, show preferences to certain textures or temperatures of foods, and may have rigid rules around the way food is served.
Texture Progression
As children grow, they progress naturally through a sequence of food textures as they develop the oral skills to manage them. Sometimes, children will become "stuck " at a certain texture and unable to progress for various reasons such as immature feeding skills, post choking trauma, sensory aversions, etc. We teach you the strategies to assist in guiding and helping progress your child to their next texture.
Limited Food Repertoire
We assist in expanding your child's food preferences to expand their repertoire allowing for your child to have balanced and nourishing meals.
Fuel Analysis
Children's fuelling needs vary, a fuel analysis can assess if additional nourishing supports are needed to help meet your child's needs.
Drinking Skills
Children develop their drinking skills in a progressive manner which allows them to progress from bottle, to open cup drinking to straw. These skills may be impacted in their development if a child has concerns with tone, limited opportunity for practice, underdeveloped oral motor skills, etc. We help equip you with the strategies to implement with your child to assist in developing their independence with these skills.
Self-Feeding skills
All children progress at different rates. Children with impaired motor/oral skills and/or disabilities can have increased difficulty learning self-feeding skills. We are here to help assess and provide the correct/proper supports to allow your child to flourish and make mealtimes more enjoyable, independent and relaxed.
Sensory Aversions
As adults we become desensitized, children however may not be. This can impact food choices, meal time environment, and ability to manage a variety of textures. We work together to rebuild positive connections as they relate to mealtimes experiences.
Mealtime Behaviour Management
We work with families to create positive behaviours around meals that reduce stress and create a positive environment for everyone to come together and enjoy.
Environmental Analysis
Children may require specific "tools" to help create an independent positive, fuelling environment that supports their feeding. Resources can be recommended to help create a comfortable, calm, stress-free, enjoyable dinner routine that can be enjoyed by the whole family.