Feeding therapy is a specialized intervention designed to help children who experience difficulties with eating, and it plays a crucial role in the lives of many autistic children. While picky eating is common among all children, for those on the autism spectrum, mealtime can be particularly challenging. Sensory sensitivities, difficulty with motor coordination, and a strong preference for routine can all impact eating habits, often leading to highly selective diets or mealtime anxiety. For ABA therapy in Peachtree Corners, GA, feeding therapy aims to support these children in developing more flexible and nutritious eating patterns in a supportive, individualized way.

Why Feeding Challenges Are Common in Autism

Autistic children often experience heightened sensitivity to sensory input, which can make certain textures, smells, or tastes intolerable. For example, a child may gag at the feel of mushy foods like bananas or refuse crunchy items due to the sound they make when chewed. Others may only eat foods of a particular color or shape, or insist on specific brands and preparations.

In addition to sensory factors, some autistic children may struggle with the motor skills needed for eating, such as chewing or coordinating hand movements to bring food to the mouth. Anxiety around unfamiliar foods and the social aspects of mealtimes may also contribute to feeding challenges.

Left unaddressed, these issues can lead to nutritional deficiencies, poor growth, and increased family stress. This is where feeding therapy becomes vital.

What Is Feeding Therapy?

Feeding therapy is often provided by occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, or dietitians who have experience with pediatric feeding disorders and autism. The therapy is highly individualized and focuses on helping children expand the variety of foods they eat while building positive mealtime behaviors.

Therapy typically starts with a detailed evaluation to understand the child’s current diet, medical history, sensory preferences, and mealtime environment. From there, a personalized treatment plan is created. The therapy sessions may be held in a clinic, at home, or in school settings.

Key goals of feeding therapy include:

• Increasing the number of foods a child will accept.

• Reducing anxiety around new or non-preferred foods.

• Improving oral-motor skills such as chewing and swallowing.

• Teaching appropriate mealtime behaviors (e.g., sitting at the table, using utensils).

• Educating and supporting caregivers to create a consistent, stress-free eating environment.

Techniques Used in Feeding Therapy

Feeding therapists use a range of approaches, depending on the child’s unique needs. Some common techniques include:

• Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach: This SOS method gently introduces children to new foods by breaking down the experience into manageable steps, from looking at the food, touching it, smelling it, and eventually tasting it.

• Food Chaining: A gradual method of introducing new foods by building on a child’s existing preferences is food chaining. For instance, if a child likes chicken nuggets, therapists might introduce homemade breaded chicken next.

• Sensory Integration: Helping children become more comfortable with different textures, smells, and appearances of food through play-based sensory activities.

• Behavioral Strategies: Using reinforcement and routine to encourage positive eating habits and reduce resistance at mealtimes.

Parental Involvement Is Key

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in the success of feeding therapy. Therapists often involve families in sessions and provide coaching on how to handle mealtime challenges at home. Creating a calm, consistent mealtime routine and avoiding pressure or punishment related to food are important steps that caregivers can take.

Contact Elevation Autism Center With Personalized ABA Therapy

It’s important to remember that feeding therapy is a gradual process. Progress may be slow, especially if a child has deeply ingrained food aversions. However, with patience, support, and the right strategies, many autistic children make significant strides in expanding their diets and developing a healthier relationship with food.

For families facing feeding challenges, seeking the professional support of Elevation Autism Center can make a lasting difference. Our dedicated team specializes in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, designed to support children ages 1-5 in building skills that last a lifetime. Through evidence-based strategies and a nurturing environment, we help children connect with peers, enjoy meaningful family time, explore new foods, engage in activities, and more. Call Elevation Autism today or enroll now to discover how our ABA therapy can help your child with feeding therapy and more.

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