I recently attended the SOS Approach to Feeding conference in Edmonton, AB. What a fascinating 4 days jam packed with information about kids who are picky eaters and problem feeders! Here are a few things that I learned:

• most picky eaters are picky because they either do not have the required oral motor skills (ability to chew, move their tongue, close their lips) or have difficulties with the sensory input (taste, texture, colour, shape, sound, etc.)
• it is important to assess if there are any medical reasons for the picky eating behaviours (e.g. reflux, food allergies or intolerances) as a child will not want to eat if it makes them hurt or feel uncomfortable
• it is very important to introduce foods at a pace that the child is comfortable with, stress actually turns off a child’s appetite so it is counterproductive

An OT can help assess your child to determine the underlying skills that they need to work on in order to be more successful in their eating. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like more information on the services I provide.