Every Parent and Caregiver Worries About Eating
"This individual only eats five foods." "Dinner is a battle every night." "They gag at the sight of new foods."
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Feeding concerns are one of the most common reasons parents and caregivers reach out to us. But how do you know if the individual is just a selective eater or if something more is going on?
Typical Selective Eating
Many individuals go through phases of selective eating, especially between ages 2-5. Typical selective eating often looks like:
- Preferring certain foods but eating a variety over time
- Being willing to have non-preferred foods on their plate
- Eating 30+ different foods across food groups
- Gradual acceptance of new foods with exposure
- Can eat in different settings (restaurants, grandma's house)
Signs of a Feeding Disorder
A feeding disorder may be present when:
- Eating fewer than 20 foods total
- Extreme distress around new foods (meltdowns, gagging, vomiting)
- Dropping foods from their diet without adding new ones
- Only eating specific brands or preparations
- Difficulty eating in different environments
- Meals taking 45+ minutes
- Significant weight concerns
- Complete food group avoidance
Why Some Individuals Struggle
Feeding is actually one of the most complex tasks we ask individuals to do. It involves:
- Sensory processing: Textures, temperatures, smells, appearances
- Oral motor skills: Chewing, moving food, swallowing
- Interoception: Recognizing hunger and fullness
- Emotional regulation: Managing anxiety about food
- Past experiences: Medical history, negative feeding experiences
Our Approach to Feeding Therapy
We use a responsive, client-led approach that:
- Removes pressure from mealtimes
- Builds positive associations with food
- Addresses underlying sensory or motor issues
- Supports the whole family, not just the individual
- Moves at the individual's pace
What You Can Do Now
- Keep mealtimes low-pressure
- Offer preferred foods alongside new foods
- Eat together as a family when possible
- Avoid forcing, bribing, or punishing
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, seek an evaluation
Feeding therapy can be life-changing for the whole family. You don't have to white-knuckle through mealtimes.