How to Encourage Picky Eaters with Thanksgiving Sensory Activities

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5 Myths About Picky Eating and What You Actually Need to Know: Tips from a Pediatric OT and Feeding Specialist 🍓🍑🥒 If you’re a parent of a picky eater, you’ve probably searched high and low for solutions to make mealtimes less stressful. Navigating meals with a selective eater can be overwhelming, especially with conflicting information online. As a pediatric occupational therapist (OT) and feeding specialist, I’m here to debunk common myths about picky eating and share actionable tips that work. Read on to discover the truth behind picky eating and how to create stress-free meals your child will love. Myth #1: "Picky Eating Is Just a Phase" The Reality: It might be more than a phase. While picky eating is common among toddlers and preschoolers, for some children, it can persist beyond the typical developmental stages. In some cases, picky eating may indicate underlying issues, such as sensory processing difficulties, oral motor challenges, or even anxiety around food. What You Need to Know: Developmental Milestones Matter: Around 18 months to 3 years, children often experience food neophobia—a natural resistance to new foods. However, if your child’s eating habits severely limit their diet or persist well past age 5, it may require additional support. Trust Your Instincts: If you’re concerned about your child’s eating habits, trust your gut. It’s better to seek help early rather than assume your child will grow out of it. Tips for Parents: Keep a food diary to track what your child eats over a week. This can help identify patterns and nutritional gaps. Seek an evaluation from a pediatric feeding specialist or OT if your child’s diet is highly restrictive. Myth #2: "They’ll Eat When They’re Hungry" The Reality: Hunger doesn’t always win. Many parents believe that if a child is hungry enough, they’ll eat whatever is available. For selective eaters, especially those with sensory or medical challenges, hunger doesn’t necessarily override their discomfort or aversion to certain foods. What You Need to Know: Food Avoidance Is Complex: Sensory sensitivities, textures, smells, or even past negative experiences with food can cause a child to avoid eating, no matter how hungry they are. Pressure Backfires: Forcing a child to eat or withholding preferred foods until they eat something new can increase anxiety and lead to negative associations with mealtime. Tips for Parents: Offer a mix of familiar and new foods without pressure. Let your child decide what and how much to eat. Use a "safe food" approach: Always include at least one food your child likes at every meal. Myth #3: "Picky Eaters Are Just Being Stubborn" The Reality: It’s not about defiance. Picky eating is rarely a matter of willful behavior. Many children struggle with selective eating due to underlying sensory, motor, or emotional factors. What You Need to Know: Sensory Sensitivities: Some children have heightened sensitivities to textures, temperatures, or flavors, making certain foods overwhelming or even unbearable. Oral Motor Skills: Difficulty chewing or swallowing can lead to food avoidance. Children with oral motor challenges may prefer soft, easy-to-eat foods and reject others. Anxiety: Negative past experiences, such as choking or vomiting, can create a fear of eating certain foods. Tips for Parents: Approach mealtimes with empathy. Recognize that picky eating is often beyond your child’s control. Introduce new foods gradually. Allow your child to explore the food through touch or smell before expecting them to taste it. Myth #4: "Just Hide Veggies in Their Food" The Reality: Sneaky strategies can backfire. While sneaking veggies into foods like smoothies or sauces can ensure some nutrient intake, it doesn’t help your child build a positive relationship with food or learn to try new things. What You Need to Know: Honesty Builds Trust: Deceiving your child by hiding ingredients can lead to mistrust, especially if they discover the hidden food. Exposure Is Key: Kids need repeated, positive exposures to new foods to become comfortable with them. Hiding veggies doesn’t provide this opportunity. Tips for Parents: Get your child involved in meal prep. Washing, chopping, or stirring can make new foods less intimidating. Use "food chaining": Introduce new foods that are similar in taste, texture, or appearance to foods your child already likes. Myth #5: "It’s All About the Nutrition" The Reality: Mealtimes are about more than food. While nutrition is important, focusing solely on what your child eats can create unnecessary pressure and conflict. Mealtimes are an opportunity to build social skills, encourage independence, and foster a positive relationship with food. What You Need to Know: Connection Over Consumption: Creating a relaxed mealtime atmosphere can help your child feel safe and more open to trying new foods. Picky Eating Often Resolves Gradually: It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Small, consistent steps lead to long-term success. Tips for Parents: Establish a mealtime routine with clear expectations (e.g., sitting at the table for a set time). Celebrate small wins, like touching or smelling a new food, even if your child doesn’t eat it. Model healthy eating habits. Let your child see you enjoying a variety of foods. How a Pediatric OT Can Help If your child’s picky eating feels overwhelming, a pediatric occupational therapist can provide tailored strategies to support their unique needs. Here’s how: Assessment: An OT will evaluate your child’s sensory, motor, and oral skills to identify underlying challenges. Individualized Interventions: Therapy sessions may include sensory play, oral motor exercises, and gradual food exposure. Parent Training: Learn practical, evidence-based techniques to use at home. Final Thoughts Picky eating can feel like a daunting challenge, but it doesn’t have to define your mealtime experience. By understanding the myths and focusing on what really matters—connection, patience, and positive exposure—you can support your child in developing a healthy relationship with food. Remember, progress takes time, and every small step forward is a win. If you need extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pediatric OT or feeding specialist. You’ve got this, and help is always available when you need it!

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Creating a Sensory-Friendly Halloween Experience: Tips to Help Your Child Enjoy the Festivities Halloween can be an exciting and fun-filled holiday for many children, but for kids with sensory processing differences, the day’s activities—costumes, trick-or-treating, and the general buzz of excitement—can become overwhelming. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I understand the importance of ensuring that your child enjoys the holiday in a way that feels safe and comfortable for them. In this blog, I’ll explore how to make Halloween more sensory-friendly, with tips on creating a comfortable costume, planning a quiet trick-or-treat route, preparing for sensory breaks, setting clear expectations, and offering fun alternatives. Understanding Sensory Sensitivities Before diving into specific tips, it’s essential to understand why Halloween can be so challenging for children with sensory processing difficulties. Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. For some children, sensory inputs like loud noises, unfamiliar textures, or bright lights can be overwhelming, causing anxiety, discomfort, or even meltdowns. Halloween, with its mix of strange sights, sounds, and textures, can be a sensory overload waiting to happen. But with some thoughtful planning and strategies, you can ensure your child still enjoys the festivities. Let’s break down some practical ways to create a sensory-friendly Halloween. 1. Choose a Comfortable Costume For many children, one of the highlights of Halloween is picking out their costume. However, costumes often feature itchy fabrics, uncomfortable accessories, or tight-fitting components that can be challenging for children with sensory sensitivities. When choosing a costume for your child, comfort should be your top priority. Tips for Selecting a Comfortable Costume: Opt for familiar clothing: If your child is uncomfortable with the feel of typical store-bought costumes, consider a DIY approach using their everyday clothes. For example, a soft T-shirt with their favorite character or animal can still make for a fun, creative costume without causing discomfort. Test it out early: Have your child wear the costume well in advance of Halloween to ensure it feels comfortable and doesn't cause irritation. This will also allow them to get used to any new textures or materials. Remove uncomfortable accessories: Skip any extra accessories like hats, masks, or gloves that your child finds annoying or distracting. A simple headband or face paint may be more tolerable alternatives. Layer with soft fabrics: If the costume is made from an itchy fabric, consider layering a soft undershirt or leggings underneath. This will create a barrier between your child’s skin and the costume. By ensuring the costume feels good on their body, your child will be able to focus on the fun rather than being distracted by discomfort. 2. Plan a Quiet Trick-or-Treat Route and Practice Ahead of Time Trick-or-treating is often the centerpiece of Halloween for many children, but the activity can be overwhelming due to the unfamiliar environment, loud sounds, and crowds. Planning ahead can help your child feel more comfortable and prepared for the experience. Tips for Planning a Trick-or-Treat Route: Choose a quiet route: Opt for neighborhoods or areas that are less busy or have fewer houses participating. This will reduce sensory overload from large crowds, bright lights, and excessive noise. Go early: Start your trick-or-treating adventure early in the evening before it gets too dark and when fewer people are out. This can make the experience more manageable for children who are sensitive to overwhelming stimuli. Familiar locations: Stick to homes or neighborhoods that your child knows well. Familiarity can provide a sense of comfort and reduce anxiety in new or unpredictable environments. Practice Makes Perfect: Children with sensory challenges often feel more at ease when they know what to expect, so practicing trick-or-treating in advance can help reduce anxiety. Role-play: Before Halloween, practice the trick-or-treating routine at home or with a friend. Knock on doors, say "trick or treat," and give your child a chance to experience the process in a safe, low-pressure environment. Visual schedules: If your child benefits from visual aids, create a simple schedule showing the steps of trick-or-treating, from putting on their costume to ringing doorbells to receiving candy. This will help them understand the sequence of events. By preparing ahead of time, you can set your child up for success and help them feel more confident when the big night arrives. 3. Prepare for Sensory Breaks Even with the best planning, Halloween can still become overwhelming for your child. That’s why it’s essential to plan for sensory breaks throughout the evening. These breaks will give your child time to regulate their sensory system and prevent them from becoming too overstimulated. Tips for Sensory Breaks: Create a calming space: Whether you’re trick-or-treating or attending a Halloween event, have a designated quiet area where your child can retreat if they become overwhelmed. This could be a quiet room at home, the car, or a designated spot along your trick-or-treat route. Use sensory tools: Bring along your child’s favorite sensory tools, such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, or a weighted blanket, to help them feel more comfortable during sensory breaks. Set time limits: Let your child know that it’s okay to take breaks as needed. If they need to leave early or take a breather after a few houses, honor those feelings to help them stay regulated. Deep pressure activities: Deep pressure input, such as tight hugs, squeezes, or using a weighted vest, can help calm and regulate the sensory system. Offer these calming inputs if you notice your child becoming overwhelmed. Sensory breaks allow your child to reset, preventing meltdowns and helping them continue to enjoy the evening at their own pace. 4. Set Clear Expectations Uncertainty or changes in routine can be stressful for children with sensory processing differences. Setting clear expectations ahead of time will help your child understand what to expect during Halloween and reduce any feelings of anxiety. Tips for Setting Expectations: Talk about the plan: Go over the evening’s schedule in advance, explaining the steps of trick-or-treating or any parties you’ll be attending. Be clear about how long you’ll be out, what you’ll do if they feel overwhelmed, and when they can take breaks. Use a timer: If your child benefits from time cues, use a timer or visual countdown to let them know how long each part of the evening will last. This could be for time spent trick-or-treating, attending a party, or even wearing their costume. Discuss social expectations: Prepare your child for what to say or do during trick-or-treating, such as greeting neighbors and saying "thank you" after receiving candy. If social interactions feel challenging, consider role-playing these moments ahead of time. Reassure them: Let your child know that it’s okay if they don’t want to participate in every aspect of Halloween. If they decide not to wear their costume or want to stop trick-or-treating early, reassure them that their comfort comes first. Setting clear expectations helps alleviate the anxiety of the unknown and allows your child to feel more in control of their experience. 5. Offer Alternatives to Traditional Halloween Activities While trick-or-treating and dressing up in costumes are Halloween staples, they’re not the only way to enjoy the holiday. Offering sensory-friendly alternatives can give your child more control over their experience while still allowing them to celebrate in a way that suits their needs. Alternative Halloween Activities: Host a small gathering: Instead of going out for trick-or-treating, consider hosting a small Halloween party at home with a few close friends or family members. This allows your child to celebrate in a familiar, controlled environment. Trunk-or-treat events: Some communities offer trunk-or-treat events, where families decorate their cars and hand out candy in a parking lot. These events are often smaller and quieter than traditional trick-or-treating and may be a more sensory-friendly option. Halloween-themed sensory bins: Create a Halloween sensory bin filled with themed items such as plastic spiders, squishy eyeballs, and fake cobwebs. Your child can explore different textures and engage in sensory play without the overwhelming stimuli of trick-or-treating. Pumpkin decorating: Instead of carving a pumpkin, try decorating it with stickers, markers, or paint. This allows your child to engage in a fun Halloween craft without the sensory discomfort of slimy pumpkin guts. Providing alternatives ensures your child can still enjoy the holiday, even if traditional activities are too overwhelming. Final Thoughts Halloween doesn’t have to be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. With a little bit of planning, flexibility, and a focus on your child’s comfort, you can create a fun, memorable holiday experience for them. By choosing comfortable costumes, planning a quiet trick-or-treat route, preparing for sensory breaks, setting clear expectations, and offering alternatives, you can help your child enjoy the excitement of Halloween while minimizing sensory overload. Remember, the goal is for your child to have fun in a way that feels safe and manageable for them. Every child is different, so feel free to adapt these tips to suit your child’s unique needs. Here’s to a happy, sensory-friendly Halloween! As a pediatric OT, I love helping adapt activities to meet your child's needs. Feel free to contact me for a FREE social story on trick-or-treating!

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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!