Supporting Fussy Eaters with Feeding Therapy Approaches

Do you ever find yourself dreading mealtime because of the impending battle with your child? Perhaps they aren’t willing to try new food, or only have a select few favourites that they’re willing to eat, or they regularly get upset during dinner. Many children go through phases of picky eating, but for some, this can be more serious and long lasting, which can impact daily life. In some instances, support from an occupational therapist trained in feeding therapy and food approaches, can assist.

We provide practical and effective feeding therapy which is tailored to your child’s needs. We use feeding therapy methods such as the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach, or SOS for short, to create a positive mealtime environment.

Understanding Feeding Difficulties

Eating might seem simple, but it’s actually quite complex! It relies on a variety of different skills all coming together. For example, some children may find certain textures or flavours to be uncomfortable or overwhelming, which makes them reluctant to eat or even attempt particular foods.

Further, there could be physical concerns, such as weak oral muscles, which makes something simple like chewing and swallowing physically exhausting or uncomfortable. Children with conditions like reflux or digestive sensitivities may also associate eating with feeling sick or uncomfortable. This can lead to negative feelings towards eating and may result in avoiding eating altogether.

Emotional factors can play a big role too. If a child had negative experiences with food in the past, such as choking or being pressured to eat, it may make them feel anxious or fearful around mealtimes. A child’s environment can also play a part in their eating habits. Family preferences, cultural backgrounds and peer behaviour can shape how and what they eat, which can sometimes reinforce selective eating habits.

The SOS Feeding Therapy Approach

At Evolve Therapy Services, among other evidence based approaches, we use an approach called SOS Feeding Therapy, which is a research-supported method that is specifically designed for children facing eating challenges. This approach encourages gentle, playful interactions with food, which focuses closely on gradual introductions to new textures and flavours without any pressure.

Core Principles of SOS Feeding Therapy

SOS Feeding Therapy encourages children to explore food through sensory play, which allows them to become more comfortable with new textures and smells in a non-threatening way.Therapists use positive reinforcement, such as praise and encouragement, with children for taking small steps like touching or smelling new foods, rather than focusing solely on eating them. This helps create a calm and pressure free atmosphere for children to learn at their own pace.

Foods are introduced gradually, which ensures that each new step feels manageable instead of overwhelming. This proven method helps reduce anxiety around new foods, and builds up the child’s confidence piece by piece.

Parents play a vital role in this therapy too. They are guided through practical and easy techniques that can be continued at home, which reinforces the progress and creates consistency in feeding routines.

Steps to Successful Eating

The SOS Approach prioritises comfort and confidence, not the amount of new food eaten. The process includes:

1. Looking at the food.
2. Interacting indirectly (like using utensils).
3. Smelling the food.
4. Touching with hands or fingers.
5. Tasting (without forced swallowing).
6. Chewing and swallowing.

This slow, methodical approach helps build a positive relationship with eating, which will help your child move forward without stress or anxiety.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Feeding

Occupational Therapists here at Evolve Therapy Services can help support children to gain the necessary skills to eat comfortably. Feeding therapy with an OT can include:

• Strengthening oral motor abilities for easier chewing and swallowing.
• Enhancing sensory tolerance to diverse textures and tastes.
• Developing consistent mealtime routines to decrease anxiety.
• Empowering parents with practical tools and techniques for home.

How Long Will Therapy Take?

Every child progresses differently. While some children quickly respond, others may require more extended support. Some children may benefit from relatively acute or single interventions, whilst others may attend multiple sessions over a period of time, such as a school term. Our focus remains on creating sustainable, positive mealtime experiences tailored to your child’s comfort level and readiness, that can be applied outside of the therapy environment.

How Evolve Therapy Services Can Support

If mealtimes are becoming increasingly difficult for your child, a feeding therapist, such as a trained Occupational Therapist at Evolve Therapy Services may be able to help. Our occupational therapists provide personalised support which is tailored to help your child enjoy new foods and achieve happier, healthier mealtimes.