How To Manage Fussy Eating For Sensory Processing Disorder Children

Some children are particularly affected by the gustatory and tactile senses, which has a huge effect on eating. Certain textures or tastes can be very uncomfortable/difficult for their brain to process. However, there are ways to manage this so the child can still eat a variety of textures and tastes.

Suggestions:
 

• Give the child an ice block (preferably low in sugar!) before trying a new food, as the ice will numb the mouth from the different textures
   

• Allow the child to play with the food using his/her fingers, as this will make the child feel more comfortable with the texture before it goes in his/her mouth
   

• Grind food so it is smooth to eat without large lumpy bits. This means there is less information for the brain to process.
   

• Get the child involved in the preparation of the food. This will make the child feel more comfortable with the food and excited to try something new because he/she made it.
   

• Create a system of trying new foods. Try not to introduce too many types of new tastes and textures all at once. It may be helpful to write it on a calendar for each week/month trying one type of new food.
   

• Use positive reinforcement such as a star chart, and praise the child when he/she tries something new.

by Eileen Simoni, Occupational Therapist

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