Beautifully Complex PAP 133: Helping Picky Eaters with Sarah Appleman, MS, OTR/L
Jul 1, 2021
Sarah Appleman, a seasoned pediatric occupational therapist and author of "Play with Your Food," shares her insights on helping neurodivergent children navigate picky eating. She discusses the sensory aspects of food aversions, emphasizing a gradual and compassionate approach. Listeners learn effective strategies to create a fun mealtime experience through interactive cooking and playful activities. Sarah highlights the importance of reducing pressure and fostering a supportive environment, ultimately empowering kids to broaden their food horizons.
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Understanding Picky Eating
- Understand the underlying reasons why a child is picky, like sensory processing difficulties.
- Look at their reactions to various sensory inputs, like bath time, clothing, and textures.
Sensory Play
- Start small with sensory play, using rice, beans, or Play-Doh, observing their reactions.
- Gradually introduce textures with spoons and cups, rewarding positive interactions.
Memory Game Success
- A memory game with food cards helped a picky eater try new fruits.
- The child's autistic brother joined in, and both started eating more fruits and vegetables.
