How ADHD Sensory Issues Create Picky Eaters and What Parents Must Do with Judy Delaware

Mar 17, 2025

Guest

Julie Abrams

Guest

Judy Delaware

In this discussion, pediatric occupational therapist Judy Delaware and ADHD parent coach Julie Abrams delve into the intriguing connection between ADHD and picky eating. They highlight how sensory sensitivities and rigid thinking complicate children's eating habits. Judy shares effective strategies like early intervention and parental modeling to help kids form healthier relationships with food. They also stress the importance of family dynamics and support, providing actionable tips for parents to ease mealtime tensions and introduce dietary variety.

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INSIGHT

Early Picky Eating Persistence

About one third to half of children with early picky eating develop persistent feeding challenges.
These feeding problems often arise from oral motor, swallowing, sensory, or medical issues early in life.

ADVICE

Early Intervention is Crucial

Early intervention by occupational therapists improves feeding outcomes for kids under three.
Observing family mealtime and parent-child eating interactions can reveal important feeding insights.

INSIGHT

Parental Impact on Eating Habits

Children imitate their parents' eating behaviors and also absorb parental language about food.
Negative labels or discussions about picky eating can influence children's attitudes toward food.

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Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of the book for FREE here: https://bit.ly/first_3_chapters

In this episode, Kate Brownfield interviews Judy Delaware, a pediatric occupational therapist, feeding specialist, and co-founder of Feeding Littles, along with Julie Abrams, an occupational therapist and ADHD parent coach. They examine the challenges of picky eating in children with ADHD, how neurodiversity impacts eating habits, and practical strategies for helping children build a healthier relationship with food.

Judy shares her expertise on how early intervention, sensory sensitivities, and parental modeling influence children’s eating behaviors. They also discuss mealtime routines, strategies for expanding food variety, and when to seek professional help. Whether you’re a parent struggling with mealtime battles or looking for evidence based strategies to help your child overcome food aversions, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Expect to Learn:

How picky eating and ADHD are connected.
The role of sensory sensitivities and rigid thinking in food choices.
How early intervention and parental modeling impact eating habits.
Strategies to introduce new foods without resistance.
When to seek help from an occupational therapist or feeding specialist.
How to make mealtimes less stressful for children and parents.

In today’s Episode: [01:44] - Meet Judy Delaware and Julie Abrams [03:07] - What is picky eating? Defining the basics [03:49] - How common is picky eating among neurodiverse children? [05:18] - The importance of early intervention in feeding challenges [07:07] - How parental modeling impacts a child’s eating habits [09:42] - Mealtime power struggles: Should parents push or let go? [12:20] - The difference between picky eating vs. selective eating disorder [14:44] - How ADHD medications affect appetite and eating patterns [18:14] - Preventing after school hunger crashes [20:08] - How to tell if a child’s nutrition is a serious concern [24:01] - Helpful resources for parents & screening tools [26:04] - Avoiding mealtime conflicts and stress [30:31] - Screen time during meals [34:09] - Fun food exposure games to expand a child’s diet [40:14] - Can teenagers and adults still improve their eating habits? [43:06] - Judy’s book, Feeding Littles Lunches, and how it helps parents

Connect with Judy Delaware:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-delaware-otrl-clc-clipp-9011012a/

Books 1: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Littles-Lunches-No-Stress-Everyone/dp/0593797450

Book 2: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Littles-Beyond-Baby-Led-Weaning-Friendly-Recipes/dp/0593419243

Website: https://feedinglittles.com/

Connect with Julie Abrams: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-abrams-536a03154/

Follow your Host Kate Brownfield

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-wedlock-brownfield-b0b139

Follow the ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast on:

Website: http://www.adhdkidscanthrive.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Adhdkidscanthrive

Email: adhdkidscanthrive@yahoo.com

#ADHD #PickyEating #FeedingLittles #Parenting #ChildNutrition #MindfulEating #SensoryProcessing #FeedingTherapy #Neurodiversity