Got Feeding Issues?

This post is for any parent or teacher who struggles with how to help a child who is a picky eater or a child with a diagnosed feeding problem. These problems can be so tough to deal with - especially in our society where eating is such a big part of what we do! Eating is a social activity, and typically one that happens numerous times throughout the day. For kids with eating issues (and the adults around them) this can mean major portions of the day spent stressed out about food. It's not fun for anyone, and there can be very real health consequences!

Over the years I've worked with many children who have feeding problems - ranging from picky eaters to kids with actual feeding disorders. Many of the children I see on the autism spectrum have some degree of feeding issues. There are so many things that lead to successful feeding - sensory development, cognitive skills, appraisal and flexible thinking, attention and focus...and the list goes on. I've learned that successful feeding requires a hierarchy of skills that we rarely even consider. We generally think about it as a two-step process - sit down and eat. When helping a child who has feeding issues, however, it is vitally important to consider all the required developmental steps, and work on them in a systematic way that is comfortable for the child.

To help with that process, I am very proud to introduce a new product in our Horizons line-up!
Explorations in Eating: 365 Memory Making Opportunities for Expanding Your Food Horizons was created by my friend and colleague, Erin Roon, and is available now for pre-ordering. This awesome calendar and journal set will help any family member or professional struggling to help a child with feeding issues. You can get the details now in our on-line store. Also, in case you missed it, Erin wrote the feature article in this week's newsletter - Picky Eater or Problem Feeder. You'll definitely want to read the entire article! While you're on our site, be sure to sign up for the free report so you can receive our weekly newsletter right to your email box.

Until next week,
Nicole