Autism and Picky Eating
September 30, 2024
Autism and Picky Eating: Insights and Strategies from a Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Picky eating is a common concern for many parents, but for families with children on the autism spectrum, it can be especially challenging. While most children go through phases of food preferences, the relationship between autism and picky eating often runs deeper. The struggle to introduce new foods, the limited variety of acceptable textures, and the anxiety surrounding mealtimes can leave both parents and children feeling frustrated.
As a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in feeding, I’ve worked with many children on the autism spectrum who experience significant feeding difficulties. In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind picky eating in children with autism, offer strategies for families to approach mealtimes with less stress, and highlight how occupational therapy can play a crucial role in improving feeding habits.
Understanding the Link Between Autism and Picky Eating
Picky eating in children with autism often stems from a combination of sensory processing challenges, rigid routines, and communication difficulties. While every child with autism is unique, there are common factors that contribute to feeding difficulties.
1. Sensory Processing Issues
Children with autism often experience heightened or diminished sensory responses, including to taste, texture, smell, and appearance of food. These sensory sensitivities can make the experience of eating overwhelming. For example:
- A child may be hypersensitive to certain textures (e.g., soft, mushy foods like mashed potatoes), finding them uncomfortable or even unbearable to touch or eat.
- Strong flavors or unfamiliar smells may trigger a negative response, causing the child to avoid specific foods.
- Visual aspects of food, such as the color or presentation, might also play a role. A child may refuse to eat a meal if it doesn't "look right" to them.
2. Limited Variety Due to Rigid Routines
Children on the autism spectrum often rely on routine and predictability to feel safe and secure. This extends to their eating habits. They may develop a very limited diet consisting of only a few specific foods that they feel comfortable with. Attempts to introduce new foods can cause distress, leading to food refusal or tantrums at mealtime.
- The repetitive behavior and need for sameness commonly seen in autism can make it difficult for children to tolerate changes in their meals, such as a different brand of the same food item.
- Even minor alterations in how food is prepared or presented can cause a child to reject the food altogether.
3. Communication Barriers
Children with autism may have difficulties expressing their needs and preferences, making it hard for caregivers to understand why they are refusing food. A child may not be able to verbalize that they dislike the texture of a certain food or that the smell is overwhelming. Instead, they might communicate their discomfort through behaviors such as crying, pushing the food away, or throwing tantrums at the table.
Common Feeding Behaviors in Children with Autism
When it comes to feeding, children with autism can exhibit a range of challenging behaviors that make mealtimes difficult for both the child and their caregivers. Some of the most common behaviors include:
- Narrow Food Preferences: Sticking to a few select foods, often from the same food group (e.g., eating only carbs like crackers, bread, or pasta).
- Refusing Certain Textures: Avoiding specific textures, such as crunchy, soft, or chewy foods.
- Strong Aversion to New Foods: Refusing to try new foods, even after multiple exposures.
- Sensitivity to Temperature: Preferring foods to be served at a specific temperature and refusing to eat if it’s too hot or cold.
- Visual Rejection: Rejecting foods based on their appearance, such as color, size, or shape.
Impact of Picky Eating on Nutrition and Growth
While picky eating can be frustrating, it’s important to consider the nutritional and developmental impact this can have on children with autism. Many children on the autism spectrum consume diets that are low in variety, which can lead to:
- Nutrient Deficiencies: A lack of fruits, vegetables, and proteins can result in deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
- Growth Delays: Limited caloric intake or poor nutrition can impact a child’s growth and development, leading to weight loss, stunted growth, or malnutrition.
- Gut Health Issues: A restricted diet, especially one low in fiber, can contribute to gastrointestinal issues, which are common in children with autism.
Parents often feel caught between wanting to ensure their child is getting enough to eat and trying to introduce healthier, more diverse options into their diet.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help with Picky Eating
Occupational therapy (OT) is highly effective in addressing picky eating and feeding challenges in children with autism. As a pediatric OT, I use a variety of strategies to help children gradually expand their food preferences while reducing mealtime stress.
1. Sensory Integration Techniques
Sensory integration therapy helps children become more comfortable with different textures, smells, and tastes. By gradually exposing children to sensory experiences in a safe and supportive environment, we can reduce their aversion to certain foods.
- Desensitization activities: These might include playing with food outside of mealtime, allowing the child to touch and explore food textures without the pressure to eat them. This can help reduce sensory defensiveness.
- Graded exposure: Slowly introducing new foods alongside familiar, preferred foods. For example, offering a new vegetable in small portions on the same plate as a favorite food can increase familiarity and reduce fear.
2. Food Play and Exploration
Occupational therapy often involves food play, where children engage with food in a non-threatening way. This might include activities such as:
- Playing with food textures (e.g., finger-painting with mashed sweet potatoes) to help them become more comfortable with different sensations.
- Using food in creative ways like building with cut-up vegetables or creating shapes with mashed foods. This helps children become more familiar with foods without the pressure of eating them immediately.
3. Gradual Food Transitions
OTs can help children with autism expand their food preferences by using a technique called food chaining. This involves introducing new foods that are similar to foods the child already enjoys. For example, if a child likes chicken nuggets, we might gradually introduce grilled chicken by altering the texture slowly over time.
4. Mealtime Structure and Routine
For children who rely on routine, establishing a structured mealtime routine can help them feel more comfortable and less anxious during meals. As an OT, I work with families to develop strategies such as:
- Creating visual schedules for mealtimes that outline what will happen during the meal.
- Using timers to set boundaries for how long the child needs to sit at the table, reducing mealtime power struggles.
- Consistent mealtime routines to create predictability, such as always starting with a preferred food and gradually introducing a new one.
5. Collaboration with Dietitians and Feeding Teams
For children with significant nutritional concerns, occupational therapists often work closely with dietitians and pediatricians to ensure the child is getting the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development. A team approach ensures that the child’s dietary needs are met while addressing behavioral and sensory feeding challenges.
Strategies for Parents to Try at Home
Parents can also implement some strategies at home to help their child with autism become more comfortable with a variety of foods and reduce picky eating behaviors. Here are some tips:
1. Be Patient and Persistent
Introducing new foods to a child with autism takes time, and it’s important to be patient. Research shows that it can take up to 10-15 exposures to a new food before a child will accept it. Offer new foods without pressure, and celebrate small victories, such as touching or smelling the food.
2. Start Small and Gradual
Start with small changes to your child’s preferred foods. For example, if your child only eats chicken nuggets, try introducing a different brand or slightly altering the texture. Gradual changes are less likely to overwhelm your child and lead to food refusal.
3. Offer Choices
Giving your child a sense of control over their food choices can reduce anxiety around mealtimes. Offer two or three options for each meal so that your child can choose what they feel comfortable eating. Ensure that at least one of the options is a food they already enjoy.
4. Stay Consistent
Consistency is key for children with autism. Try to maintain regular meal and snack times each day, and avoid making mealtime too stressful. If your child refuses a new food, avoid pressuring them, and try offering it again at a later time.
5. Positive Reinforcement
Use positive reinforcement to encourage your child to try new foods. Praise them for small steps, such as touching or smelling the food, and offer non-food rewards for making progress, such as extra playtime or a favorite activity.
When to Seek Help
While picky eating is common in children with autism, it’s important to seek help if your child’s eating habits are causing significant nutritional concerns, weight loss, or family stress. If your child has a very limited diet, experiences extreme anxiety around mealtimes, or refuses entire food groups, it may be time to consult a pediatric occupational therapist or feeding specialist.
Conclusion
Picky eating in children with autism is often a multifaceted challenge involving sensory sensitivities, rigid routines, and communication barriers. However, with patience, the right strategies, and support from professionals such as occupational therapists, children can expand their food preferences and reduce the stress associated with mealtimes. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I have seen firsthand how individualized feeding therapy can make a positive impact during mealtime!
5 Signs Your Child Might Need Speech Therapy
Is My Child a Late Talker? What San Diego Parents Need to Know
It's 5:47 PM and dinner is almost ready. You call your child to the table, and within 60 seconds — over what seems like absolutely nothing — everything falls apart. The crying. The floor. The complete and total chaos that leaves you standing at the stove wondering what just happened. You've tried everything. You've stayed calm. You've set limits. You've read the books. And yet, the meltdowns keep coming. Here's what I want you to hear before you read another word: you are not failing your child. And your child is not failing you. What's happening in those moments often has very little to do with behavior — and everything to do with the nervous system. Let me explain. What Is Sensory Processing, Exactly? Every single second of every day, your child's brain is receiving input from the world around them — sounds, lights, textures, smells, movement, temperature, the feeling of their clothes against their skin. For most people, the brain sorts through all of this automatically, in the background, without much effort. It decides what's important, what to ignore, and how to respond. But for some children, that sorting process doesn't work quite the same way. Their nervous systems are either over-responding (everything feels too loud, too bright, too much) or under-responding (they need more input than usual to feel regulated). Some kids do both, at different times, with different senses. This is called sensory processing differences — and it's far more common than most people realize. So What Does This Have to Do With Meltdowns? A meltdown — the real kind, not a "my kid is testing limits" tantrum — happens when a child's nervous system hits its maximum capacity. Think of it like a cup that keeps getting filled throughout the day. Every sensation that's hard to process adds a little more water. Every transition, every unexpected change, every itchy waistband, every flickering light. Little by little, all day long — until finally, something tiny tips the cup over. That "something tiny" is what you see as the trigger. But by the time the meltdown starts, the cup has been filling for hours. This is why the thing that "caused" the meltdown rarely makes sense from the outside. It wasn't about the fork. It was about everything that came before the fork. 5 Signs Your Child's Meltdowns Might Be Sensory You might be dealing with sensory-driven meltdowns if your child: 1. Reacts "way too big" to small things The tag in a shirt, the wrong color cup, a sound that no one else seems to notice — these aren't dramatic reactions to minor inconveniences. They're a nervous system that experiences those things as genuinely overwhelming. 2. Struggles with transitions more than other kids Moving from one activity to another — even fun things like leaving the park or stopping a movie — regularly results in major meltdowns. Their nervous system needs more time and preparation to shift gears. 3. Is extremely sensitive to clothing, food textures, or smells If getting dressed is a daily battle, if they'll only wear certain fabrics, if mealtimes are a constant struggle — sensory differences are often at the root. 4. Seeks intense physical input throughout the day Crashing into furniture, wanting to be squeezed tight, jumping off everything, hanging upside down — this isn't wild behavior. Their body is looking for the kind of deep pressure input that helps regulate their nervous system. 5. Has a hard time recovering once dysregulated A typical tantrum tends to fade once the limit is set or the child gets what they need. A sensory meltdown can last much longer — because the nervous system itself needs time to calm down, and no amount of logic or consequences will speed that up. What's Happening in the Brain During a Meltdown When your child's sensory system gets overwhelmed, their brain shifts into survival mode. The part of the brain responsible for logic, language, and learning essentially goes offline. They can't hear your reasoning. They can't "make better choices." They can't calm down on command — because the part of their brain that knows how to do that isn't running the show right now. This is why trying to have a conversation, explain consequences, or offer choices in the middle of a meltdown usually doesn't work. It's not defiance. It's neurology. The best thing you can do in that moment is focus on safety and connection — not problem-solving. What You Can Actually Do to Help Before the meltdown: This is where the real work happens. A regulated nervous system is less likely to hit overflow. Build in "sensory diet" activities throughout the day — things like jumping, heavy lifting, deep pressure, or calming sensory input (think: weighted blanket, slow swinging). These aren't extras. They're regulation tools. Watch for the warning signs that the cup is getting full — increased silliness, clinginess, sensitivity to things that normally don't bother them. These are your cues to slow down and add some regulating input before things escalate. Prep for transitions. Give advance warnings ("five more minutes, then we're leaving"). Use visual timers. Make the transition as predictable as possible. During a meltdown: Stay as calm as you can. Their nervous system will co-regulate with yours. Reduce sensory input — turn down lights, lower your voice, reduce stimulation. Stay nearby without demanding anything from them. Don't try to reason, problem-solve, or teach in this moment. That comes later. After a meltdown: Give them time to fully recover before reconnecting. Check in with warmth, not lectures. "That was really hard. I'm here." Once they're calm, you can briefly talk about what happened — but keep it short and simple. A Word to the Exhausted Parent If you're reading this after a really hard day, I just want to say: this is a lot to carry. Parenting a child with a sensitive nervous system is a different kind of hard. It requires a level of flexibility, patience, and attunement that doesn't always get recognized — even by the people closest to you. You are not spoiling your child by meeting them where they are. You are not making it worse by not being stricter. You are doing something really important and really hard, and you deserve support too. When to Reach Out for Help If meltdowns are happening daily, lasting a long time, causing injury, or significantly impacting your child's ability to participate in everyday life — it may be time to connect with a pediatric occupational therapist. An OT can evaluate your child's sensory processing, identify what's driving the dysregulation, and create a practical plan that actually fits your family. You don't have to figure this out alone. Have questions about your child's meltdowns or sensory behaviors? I'd love to hear from you — reach out here or book a free discovery call to learn more about how we can help.
The Best Pediatric Occupational Therapy Support for Temecula Families: Sensory, Feeding, and Early Intervention Help You Can Trust If you're a Temecula or Murrieta mom searching for support for your child’s sensory needs, feeding challenges, behavior, or developmental milestones—you’re in the right place. Eat. Play. Love. Occupational Therapy now proudly serves Temecula Valley , bringing neurodivergent-affirming, child-led, highly specialized OT straight to your home, school, or community setting. As a team of experienced pediatric occupational therapists, we help children build confidence, regulation, independence, and joy through developmentally appropriate, research-backed therapy that feels like play. Whether your child is a toddler exploring their world, a preschooler navigating new routines, or a school-aged kid needing support, Temecula families finally have access to quality, compassionate OT without long waitlists or overwhelm. Why Temecula Families Are Choosing Eat. Play. Love. OT Finding the right occupational therapist can feel overwhelming—especially when you're worried about sensory meltdowns, picky eating, school readiness, behavior struggles, or developmental delays. Temecula moms often tell us: “My child is constantly on the go.” “Transitions are so hard.” “Mealtimes are stressful.” “Their preschool teacher suggested an evaluation.” “I don’t know what’s normal anymore.” At Eat. Play. Love. OT, we take a warm, relational, whole-child approach that supports your child AND your family. More importantly: we meet your child where they are —with play, connection, and regulated nervous systems as our foundation. Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services We Offer in Temecula & Murrieta Our services are tailored to the unique needs of Temecula families: ⭐ Sensory Processing & Regulation Support We help children who are: Sensitive to noise, textures, clothing, or transitions Constantly moving or seeking big input Struggling with meltdowns or shutdowns Overwhelmed in busy environments Our sensory-informed strategies help your child feel safe, calm, and confident—whether at home, school, or in the community. ⭐ Feeding Therapy for Picky Eaters & Oral Development We specialize in gentle, child-led feeding support using: Dr. Yum and evidence-based feeding approaches AEIOU and SOS frameworks Responsive feeding Neurodivergent-affirming, pressure-free strategies Perfect for toddlers and children who: Eat fewer than 20 foods Gag or cry at mealtimes Prefer purees or specific textures Avoid family meals Have difficulty chewing Have allergies or oral-motor challenges Temecula moms love that we make feeding feel fun again. ⭐ Early Intervention (Ages 0–3) We work with SDRC-funded and private-pay families providing: Milestone development Play skills Sensory exploration Motor development Sleep routines Parent coaching Sessions happen in your home , where your child feels safe and learns best. ⭐ School-Aged Support (TK–5th Grade) For children navigating: Attention challenges Emotional regulation Executive functioning Fine-motor & handwriting Social skills School routine transitions We collabo rate with teachers, IEP teams, and parents to support your child across environments. Why In-Home OT Is a Game-Changer for Temecula Families Parents tell us again and again that in-home therapy is easier, more effecti ve, and less stressful. Benefits include: No traffic or rushing between activities Therapy happening in REAL environments Better generalization of skills Reduced overwhelm for sensory-sensitive children Personalized strategies for your home routines Ability for parents to o bserve and learn in real-time Our Temecula therapists bring sensory tools, motor activities, play-based setups, and feeding strategies directly to you. Meet Your Temecula OT Team Eat. Play. Love. OT is led by Lindsey Wood, MOT, OTR/L , pediatric occupational therapist and feeding specialist with over a decade of experience supporting neurodivergent children and coaching families. Our lead OT in the Temecula area, Cynthia, has years of experience treating littles with developmental delays and sensory differences. Our Temecula-based clinicians are: Highly trained Neurodiversity-affirming Relationship-first Play-centered Kind, warm, and deeply invested in your child’s success Families often say they feel relief after one session—because they finally feel seen, heard, and supported. Ready to Get Started? Here's How Eat Play Love OT Supports Temecula Families Getting started is simple: Step 1: Fill out our quick intake form We’ll learn about your child's needs and match you with the right clinician. Step 2: Schedule an evaluation We assess sensory, feeding, motor, and functional skills. Step 3: Receive a customized care plan You’ll get individualized strategies and a therapeutic plan tailored to your child. Step 4: Begin therapy sessions in-home We work collaboratively with you to support the whole child. Service Areas in Temecula Valley We currently serve: Temecula Murrieta Winchester French Valley Menifee Wildomar If you're unsure whether you’re in our service radius, reach out—we’re happy to check! Contact Eat. Play. Love. OT – Temecula 📞 Phone: 760-235-4748 📧 Email: intake@eatplayloveot.com 🌐 Website: www.eatplayloveot.com 📍 In-home services available We are a contracted vendor with Inland Regional Center . Request vendor PJ6193 with your service coordinator. Temecula families deserve accessible, compassionate, high-quality therapy without long waitlists. If you're a mom feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or ready for support, Eat. Play. Love. OT is here to walk alongside you. Your child deserves to feel regulated, confident, and understood—and we're here to help make that happen.
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Move & Groove: Adaptive Dance Classes for Kids in San Diego Looking for fun, inclusive, and developmentally supportive kids’ classes in San Diego ? Eat. Play. Love. Occupational Therapy is proud to offer Move & Groove: Adaptive Dance for Every Ability , a sensory-friendly dance and movement program for children ages 4–8. This unique class is led by a pediatric occupational therapist trained in the DanceAbility® Method, ensuring every child can participate, grow, and shine. Why Adaptive Dance? Dance is a powerful tool for kids—it helps them build coordination, strength, and confidence. But not every child thrives in traditional dance settings. Loud music, fast-paced directions, and performance pressure can feel overwhelming, especially for children with sensory sensitivities or developmental differences. That’s where adaptive dance comes in. Our program focuses on inclusivity and celebrates every child’s unique way of moving. Instead of focusing on “perfect” steps, we emphasize creativity, connection, and joy. Benefits of OT-Led Dance Classes Because Move & Groove is led by an occupational therapist, the class supports both fun and function. Here’s what children gain: Strength & Coordination : Activities like jumping, balancing, and spinning build important motor skills. Sensory Regulation : Movement and music are structured to help kids stay calm, focused, and engaged. Social Confidence : Group activities encourage turn-taking, eye contact, and celebrating peers. Self-Expression : Children are free to move in their own way, reducing pressure and boosting self-esteem. What Makes the DanceAbility® Method Special? The DanceAbility® Method is internationally recognized for bringing people of all abilities together through improvisational dance. It focuses on connection, creativity, and inclusion. For children, this means a welcoming, pressure-free environment where they feel accepted and valued. Class Details – San Diego Adaptive Dance Program Ages: 4–8 Dates: Thursdays – September 25, October 2, 9, 16 Time: 5:00–5:30 PM Location: Kids & Coffee, 2310 Camino Vida Roble, Ste 101, Carlsbad, CA 92011 Cost: $35 per class Register: pci.jotform.com/form/251503802642146 Who Should Join? Move & Groove is perfect for: Kids with autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, or motor delays. Children who may not thrive in traditional dance classes. Any child who loves music, movement, and making friends! Why Parents Love It Families who join our kids’ classes in San Diego say their children leave happier, calmer, and more confident. Parents notice improvements in coordination, social skills, and self-esteem—and most importantly, they see their kids having fun. Sign Up Today If you’re searching for meaningful San Diego kids’ activities , Move & Groove is the perfect fit. Space is limited for this 4-week series, so don’t wait—reserve your child’s spot today! 👉 Register now here Move & Groove – Where ALL San Diego kids dance, connect, and grow!
Discover the Magic of Outdoor Learning: Nature Enrichment Pods in San Diego for Homeschoolers and Curious Kids
Write Outside the Lines: The Handwriting Camp That Builds Confidence, Creativity & Coordination Does your child avoid writing tasks, get frustrated with pencil grip, or struggle with forming letters? You’re not alone—and we’re here to help. This summer, give your child the gift of confidence, creativity, and coordination with our one-of-a-kind handwriting camp: Write Outside the Lines . Led by licensed pediatric occupational therapist, our nature-based handwriting camp is designed for kids ages 4–7 and blends the power of movement, play, and connection with foundational handwriting skills. Whether your child is preparing for kindergarten or struggling to keep up in early elementary, this camp will offer a fun, pressure-free environment where they’ll not only practice handwriting—but love it. Why Handwriting Still Matters in a Digital World In a world of iPads and keyboards, it’s easy to assume handwriting is becoming obsolete. But research continues to show that handwriting plays a critical role in: Brain development Cognitive organization Fine motor control Memory and learning When kids struggle with handwriting, it often impacts their confidence, independence, and even how they participate in the classroom. At Write Outside the Lines, we take a whole-child approach that builds not only the mechanics of writing but also the motivation and regulation needed to thrive. What Makes Our Camp Different Most handwriting programs focus on worksheets and repetition. Our camp? It’s rooted in the belief that kids learn best when they’re moving, creating, and having fun. Here’s what makes us unique: 1. Occupational Therapy-Led Led by experienced pediatric OTs, our camp draws from evidence-based frameworks like: Handwriting Without Tears® Sensory integration theory Developmental motor patterns Visual motor and fine motor skill progression DIR Floortime Your child is not just practicing letters—they’re building the foundation for school success. 2. Nature-Based Setting Camp takes place in a magical play space, The Enchanted Treehouse , filled with trees, sensory paths, and open-ended materials. Studies show that time in nature improves attention, regulation, and creative problem-solving—all essential for handwriting. 3. Multi-Sensory Play Each day follows a new theme and incorporates: Gross motor games to wake up the body Sensory motor stations for pre-writing Hands-on handwriting practice (with no worksheets!) Crafts, stories, and nature journaling Social connection and positive peer interactions 4. Small Groups, Big Impact We cap our group size to ensure each child gets individual attention, OT guidance, and the chance to thrive without being overwhelmed. Who This Camp Is For Kids ages 4–7 who are: Starting to write letters but lacking consistency Avoiding handwriting due to frustration Struggling with pencil grasp, posture, or visual attention Needing a confidence boost before back-to-school Children with: Mild fine motor delays Sensory processing differences Attention or regulation challenges IEP or 504 plan support for writing Kids who simply love being in nature, getting messy, and learning in fun, creative ways! Camp Details at a Glance 📍 Location: Enchanted Treehouse Play Space, Solana Beach, CA 🗓 Dates: August 18-21, 2025 (Mon-Thurs) ⏰ Time: 10:30 AM -12:00 PM daily 👧 Ages: 4–7 👩⚕️ Led by: Licensed Pediatric Occupational Therapists 📦 Includes: Nature-based journal, handwriting tools, and daily themed crafts 🎟 Cost: $250 per child for the week, 10% sibling discount The Research Behind Our Approach Our camp is built on principles supported by pediatric OT best practices: Multi-sensory learning helps the brain retain letter formation better than rote copying Movement before seated work improves body awareness and pencil control Nature-based learning supports self-regulation, attention, and memory Peer modeling and playful routines increase motivation and carryover We don’t just teach writing—we support whole-child development . FAQs Q: My child struggles with attention. Will they be able to participate? Absolutely. Our small groups, sensory-informed transitions, and movement-rich design support children with varying attention spans. Q: Do we need to bring supplies? Nope! We provide everything—including a camp journal, handwriting tools, and craft materials. Q: Is this therapy or enrichment? This is a therapeutic enrichment program. It’s OT-designed and run, but not formal therapy. It’s ideal for kids who may benefit from OT support in a fun, camp-style format. Q: Can I attend with my child? We ask that caregivers drop off to help kids build independence and peer interaction. You can stay in the waiting lounge or walk along the 101 in Solana Beach. There are some restaurants to grab a bite to eat nearby. We'll keep you updated and share resources to support progress at home! Ready to Register? Spots are limited and tend to fill quickly—especially for our summer session. 👉 Click here to reserve your child’s spot You’ll receive a confirmation and welcome email with further details before the 1st day of class. We can’t wait to support your child’s handwriting journey in the most playful, powerful way possible! Still Have Questions? Reach out any time to: 📧 lindsey@eatplayloveot.com Or send us a DM on Instagram @eat.play.love.ot PS: Can’t make the camp dates? Join the waitlist or inquire about our private handwriting intensives and OT sessions throughout San Diego county. Email us! lindsey@eatplayloveot.com or fill out the form on the Contact page. Let’s help your child write with confidence—outside the lines .
🌿 Thrive Together: A Family Wellness Day for San Diego Families 🌿 Are you looking for a fun and meaningful family event in San Diego that supports your child’s development, connection, and wellness? Join us for Thrive Together: A Family Wellness Day —a one-of-a-kind event designed to nurture parents, kids, and the whole family. 🗓 Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024 ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 📍 Location: Fox Point Farms, Encinitas, CA 🎟 Grab your tickets here ! What is Thrive Together? Thrive Together is a family wellness event created by a local OT and SLP, experts in child development and family wellness, co-hosted by Fox Point Farms and By the Sea Mommy and Me, a fellow San Diego mom: ✨ Eat Play Love Occupational Therapy ✨ Family First Speech Therapy ✨ Fox Point Farms ✨ By The Sea Mommy and Me This event is designed to give San Diego families a chance to connect, play, learn, and grow—together. We’re bringing you hands-on activities, expert tips, and a beautiful outdoor setting perfect for making memories. What Families Can Expect: 🌱 Sensory Play Stations - Created to support regulation, creativity, and fun. 🗣️ Speech & Language Development Activities - Practical strategies and play-based learning to boost communication skills. 🧠 Mindful Parenting & Connection Tools - Tips from child development professionals to help you thrive as a parent. 🌸 Nature Play and Farm Fun - Explore the beauty of Fox Point Farms, a unique family-friendly venue in Encinitas. 👶 Baby & Toddler Zone - Safe and engaging activities just for our littlest guests. 🎨 Crafts, Music, and Movement - Opportunities to create, dance, and enjoy being together as a family. 💬 Meet Local Experts & Community Resources - Chat with everyone from therapists, wellness experts, and parenting coaches to real estate experts, home organization, and jewelry designers! We've got 25+ of the top local San Diego businesses attending to help support your family's journey! Why Should San Diego Families Attend? 💛 Because parenting is hard—and community matters. Thrive Together is designed to empower families with support, resources, and fun—all in one day. 💛 Because connection is powerful. This is your chance to connect with local child development experts, other parents, and your own children in meaningful ways. 💛 Because wellness starts early. Learn simple strategies to support your child’s sensory, speech, motor, and emotional development—right from the experts. 💛 Because your family deserves a joyful, screen-free day outdoors. Perfect For: ✅ Families with kids of all ages and abilities ✅ Parents looking for San Diego family events with expert support ✅ Families interested in sensory play, speech & language tips, and early childhood wellness ✅ Anyone ready for a fun, relaxing morning connecting with their kids 🌿 Join Us for Thrive Together! 🌿 Don’t miss this special day designed to help your family THRIVE—emotionally, physically, and socially. 🎟 Tickets are limited! Reserve your spot here Every ticket a dmits your entire family PLUS gets you entered in the raffle to win one of our amazing prizes from local businesses! Come play, connect, and grow with us at beautiful Fox Point Farms . We can’t wait to see you there!