Guest guest Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 Jennie, I know there are many families here who have gone through this same experience. I never had the problems that you are having except that Tim didn't like weird textures when he was younger. Now, he eats us out of house and home! LOL Typical teenager! I would feed him when no one else is at the table if that makes him eat better and then just let him sit with the family while everyone else eats. (if he will sit there quietly) Kristy jehknees3kids wrote: Oh please help! My son's sensory issues are out of control during mealtime. We are contending with several issues here: 1. He is very particular about food textures and will flat out refuse to eat an item if it feels weird in his mouth. 2. He is incredibly overstimulated by the presence of the entire family at the table (we convene as a family for breakfast and supper.) and as a result, is completely unable to focus. Instead, his behavior is erratic, compulsive and simply unbearable. 3. At school, he doesn't eat (20 kids in pre-k plus staff and they prepare the meals.) So he comes home famished and out of control Should I feed him separate of the family and just let him sit at the table with us when the rest of the family eats? As it stands, we haven't had an enjoyable family meal yet because he makes that an impossiblity. SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!!!!!!! Jennie mom of (6), (5 - MDS), Maren (21 mos.) Become a member of IMDSA today at http://www.imdsa.com ******************************************************* Contact IMDSA Today at: IMDSA~PO Box 1052~lin,TX~77856~USA~1-~1-888-MDS-LINK ********************************************************************* Share your story today! http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com ********************************************************* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 Thanks! oh hey, the new member that joined last night is my husband. I'm really happy about that. > Oh please help! My son's sensory issues are out of control during > mealtime. We are contending with several issues here: > 1. He is very particular about food textures and will flat out > refuse to eat an item if it feels weird in his mouth. > > 2. He is incredibly overstimulated by the presence of the entire > family at the table (we convene as a family for breakfast and > supper.) and as a result, is completely unable to focus. Instead, > his behavior is erratic, compulsive and simply unbearable. > > 3. At school, he doesn't eat (20 kids in pre-k plus staff and they > prepare the meals.) So he comes home famished and out of control > > Should I feed him separate of the family and just let him sit at the > table with us when the rest of the family eats? As it stands, we > haven't had an enjoyable family meal yet because he makes that an > impossiblity. > > SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!!!!!!! > Jennie > mom of (6), (5 - MDS), Maren (21 mos.) > > > > > > Become a member of IMDSA today at http://www.imdsa.com > ******************************************************* > Contact IMDSA Today at: > IMDSA~PO Box 1052~lin,TX~77856~USA~1-~1-888-MDS- LINK > ********************************************************************* > Share your story today! http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com > ********************************************************* > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 How wonderful! Welcome Jennie's Husband!!!! LOL Glad you have joined us! Kristy jehknees3kids wrote: Thanks! oh hey, the new member that joined last night is my husband. I'm really happy about that. > Oh please help! My son's sensory issues are out of control during > mealtime. We are contending with several issues here: > 1. He is very particular about food textures and will flat out > refuse to eat an item if it feels weird in his mouth. > > 2. He is incredibly overstimulated by the presence of the entire > family at the table (we convene as a family for breakfast and > supper.) and as a result, is completely unable to focus. Instead, > his behavior is erratic, compulsive and simply unbearable. > > 3. At school, he doesn't eat (20 kids in pre-k plus staff and they > prepare the meals.) So he comes home famished and out of control > > Should I feed him separate of the family and just let him sit at the > table with us when the rest of the family eats? As it stands, we > haven't had an enjoyable family meal yet because he makes that an > impossiblity. > > SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!!!!!!! > Jennie > mom of (6), (5 - MDS), Maren (21 mos.) > > > > > > Become a member of IMDSA today at http://www.imdsa.com > ******************************************************* > Contact IMDSA Today at: > IMDSA~PO Box 1052~lin,TX~77856~USA~1-~1-888-MDS- LINK > ********************************************************************* > Share your story today! http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com > ********************************************************* > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 Jennie...that's exactly what I would try... sit him down at the family table... and feed him first, then have him sit with the family. As far as school... do you send his lunches? School lunches can freak out most kids...heehee. I'd talk to someone there and let him eat lunch alone... or maybe in a classroom, with a teacher, rather than the cafeteria. Angel Mom to , 13 Mosaic Down Syndrome/Hirschsprung's Disease Lance 17, Tyler 14, 11 Jaeda 9 and Shayne 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 In a message dated 3/21/2006 6:31:44 AM Pacific Standard Time, smithjennie@... writes: Thanks! oh hey, the new member that joined last night is my husband. I'm really happy about that. I thought the story sounded familiar!! Angel Mom to , 13 Mosaic Down Syndrome/Hirschsprung's Disease Lance 17, Tyler 14, 11 Jaeda 9 and Shayne 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 Adam has a hard time with food textures also. It is very hard to get him to eat. If he thinks something looks funny, he won't even try it. We have to cook seperately for him to get him to eat or the rest of use would be living on the four or five things he likes. (Of course, ice cream and chips are two of those things. lol) He still wants to eat like an infant and fill up on milk. If something " gross " get into his mouth, he will start gagging. Anyway, we bought Adam a little card table and chairs that he loves. He does everything there from eat to writing practice. It is his own little space and he eats much better there than at the big table. We sit with him while he eats to keep him on track. When his cousin (same age) is over, she sits at the little table too. They love it. He won't eat the food they offer at preschool either. We send him with a snack he likes - he is big on goldfish cracker. That holds him over until he gets home. Good Luck Donna jehknees3kids wrote: Oh please help! My son's sensory issues are out of control during mealtime. We are contending with several issues here: 1. He is very particular about food textures and will flat out refuse to eat an item if it feels weird in his mouth. 2. He is incredibly overstimulated by the presence of the entire family at the table (we convene as a family for breakfast and supper.) and as a result, is completely unable to focus. Instead, his behavior is erratic, compulsive and simply unbearable. 3. At school, he doesn't eat (20 kids in pre-k plus staff and they prepare the meals.) So he comes home famished and out of control Should I feed him separate of the family and just let him sit at the table with us when the rest of the family eats? As it stands, we haven't had an enjoyable family meal yet because he makes that an impossiblity. SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!!!!!!! Jennie mom of (6), (5 - MDS), Maren (21 mos.) Become a member of IMDSA today at http://www.imdsa.com ******************************************************* Contact IMDSA Today at: IMDSA~PO Box 1052~lin,TX~77856~USA~1-~1-888-MDS-LINK ********************************************************************* Share your story today! http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com ********************************************************* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 O My Gosh....I am soooo grateful to hear we're not alone on the issues with food. I thought surely Trinity was just a " picky " eater. But she's the same way. She can just look at something and already know she ain't havin it. Her very favorite is vienna sausage aka....pig lips. She would eat them 3 times a day if I would allow it. She only has about 5 other things she will even consider. I've asked the Doctor about giving her daily vitamin and they say it's not necessary. What do you all think???? Blessings..... Terrie (Trinity's mammy) Donna Spudic wrote: Adam has a hard time with food textures also. It is very hard to get him to eat. If he thinks something looks funny, he won't even try it. We have to cook seperately for him to get him to eat or the rest of use would be living on the four or five things he likes. (Of course, ice cream and chips are two of those things. lol) He still wants to eat like an infant and fill up on milk. If something " gross " get into his mouth, he will start gagging. Anyway, we bought Adam a little card table and chairs that he loves. He does everything there from eat to writing practice. It is his own little space and he eats much better there than at the big table. We sit with him while he eats to keep him on track. When his cousin (same age) is over, she sits at the little table too. They love it. He won't eat the food they offer at preschool either. We send him with a snack he likes - he is big on goldfish cracker. That holds him over until he gets home. Good Luck Donna jehknees3kids wrote: Oh please help! My son's sensory issues are out of control during mealtime. We are contending with several issues here: 1. He is very particular about food textures and will flat out refuse to eat an item if it feels weird in his mouth. 2. He is incredibly overstimulated by the presence of the entire family at the table (we convene as a family for breakfast and supper.) and as a result, is completely unable to focus. Instead, his behavior is erratic, compulsive and simply unbearable. 3. At school, he doesn't eat (20 kids in pre-k plus staff and they prepare the meals.) So he comes home famished and out of control Should I feed him separate of the family and just let him sit at the table with us when the rest of the family eats? As it stands, we haven't had an enjoyable family meal yet because he makes that an impossiblity. SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!!!!!!! Jennie mom of (6), (5 - MDS), Maren (21 mos.) Become a member of IMDSA today at http://www.imdsa.com ******************************************************* Contact IMDSA Today at: IMDSA~PO Box 1052~lin,TX~77856~USA~1-~1-888-MDS-LINK ********************************************************************* Share your story today! http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com ********************************************************* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 Terrie, I think that a vitamin supplement is essential especially when the child is not eating a balanced meal! My brother sells a supplement called Juice Plus that provides all the daily allowance of Fruits and Vegetables for the day. He even has it in Gummy's! He says that since he and his kids have been taking Juice Plus they have not been sick as often and when they do get a cold it doesn't last as long, because they are healthier and able to fight infection. If you are interested in getting these supplements his website is http://www.ahealthierfamily.com/ He is planning to exhibit at the National Down Syndrome Congress conference also. Kristy Terrie Olive wrote: O My Gosh....I am soooo grateful to hear we're not alone on the issues with food. I thought surely Trinity was just a " picky " eater. But she's the same way. She can just look at something and already know she ain't havin it. Her very favorite is vienna sausage aka....pig lips. She would eat them 3 times a day if I would allow it. She only has about 5 other things she will even consider. I've asked the Doctor about giving her daily vitamin and they say it's not necessary. What do you all think???? Blessings..... Terrie (Trinity's mammy) Donna Spudic wrote: Adam has a hard time with food textures also. It is very hard to get him to eat. If he thinks something looks funny, he won't even try it. We have to cook seperately for him to get him to eat or the rest of use would be living on the four or five things he likes. (Of course, ice cream and chips are two of those things. lol) He still wants to eat like an infant and fill up on milk. If something " gross " get into his mouth, he will start gagging. Anyway, we bought Adam a little card table and chairs that he loves. He does everything there from eat to writing practice. It is his own little space and he eats much better there than at the big table. We sit with him while he eats to keep him on track. When his cousin (same age) is over, she sits at the little table too. They love it. He won't eat the food they offer at preschool either. We send him with a snack he likes - he is big on goldfish cracker. That holds him over until he gets home. Good Luck Donna jehknees3kids wrote: Oh please help! My son's sensory issues are out of control during mealtime. We are contending with several issues here: 1. He is very particular about food textures and will flat out refuse to eat an item if it feels weird in his mouth. 2. He is incredibly overstimulated by the presence of the entire family at the table (we convene as a family for breakfast and supper.) and as a result, is completely unable to focus. Instead, his behavior is erratic, compulsive and simply unbearable. 3. At school, he doesn't eat (20 kids in pre-k plus staff and they prepare the meals.) So he comes home famished and out of control Should I feed him separate of the family and just let him sit at the table with us when the rest of the family eats? As it stands, we haven't had an enjoyable family meal yet because he makes that an impossiblity. SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!!!!!!! Jennie mom of (6), (5 - MDS), Maren (21 mos.) Become a member of IMDSA today at http://www.imdsa.com ******************************************************* Contact IMDSA Today at: IMDSA~PO Box 1052~lin,TX~77856~USA~1-~1-888-MDS-LINK ********************************************************************* Share your story today! http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com ********************************************************* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 Thanks Kristy...I'll check on those. I just got off the phone with Blaine the Genetics Counselor and he assured me they tested every way and every cell possible and they have definately ruled out " downs " of any kind. He also said that she has such an extreme case of Hypotonia that their leaning towards some others, but he won't say which ones. She goes in next month so will see what the Genetesist sees this go around. Terrie Kristy Colvin wrote: Terrie, I think that a vitamin supplement is essential especially when the child is not eating a balanced meal! My brother sells a supplement called Juice Plus that provides all the daily allowance of Fruits and Vegetables for the day. He even has it in Gummy's! He says that since he and his kids have been taking Juice Plus they have not been sick as often and when they do get a cold it doesn't last as long, because they are healthier and able to fight infection. If you are interested in getting these supplements his website is http://www.ahealthierfamily.com/ He is planning to exhibit at the National Down Syndrome Congress conference also. Kristy Terrie Olive wrote: O My Gosh....I am soooo grateful to hear we're not alone on the issues with food. I thought surely Trinity was just a " picky " eater. But she's the same way. She can just look at something and already know she ain't havin it. Her very favorite is vienna sausage aka....pig lips. She would eat them 3 times a day if I would allow it. She only has about 5 other things she will even consider. I've asked the Doctor about giving her daily vitamin and they say it's not necessary. What do you all think???? Blessings..... Terrie (Trinity's mammy) Donna Spudic wrote: Adam has a hard time with food textures also. It is very hard to get him to eat. If he thinks something looks funny, he won't even try it. We have to cook seperately for him to get him to eat or the rest of use would be living on the four or five things he likes. (Of course, ice cream and chips are two of those things. lol) He still wants to eat like an infant and fill up on milk. If something " gross " get into his mouth, he will start gagging. Anyway, we bought Adam a little card table and chairs that he loves. He does everything there from eat to writing practice. It is his own little space and he eats much better there than at the big table. We sit with him while he eats to keep him on track. When his cousin (same age) is over, she sits at the little table too. They love it. He won't eat the food they offer at preschool either. We send him with a snack he likes - he is big on goldfish cracker. That holds him over until he gets home. Good Luck Donna jehknees3kids wrote: Oh please help! My son's sensory issues are out of control during mealtime. We are contending with several issues here: 1. He is very particular about food textures and will flat out refuse to eat an item if it feels weird in his mouth. 2. He is incredibly overstimulated by the presence of the entire family at the table (we convene as a family for breakfast and supper.) and as a result, is completely unable to focus. Instead, his behavior is erratic, compulsive and simply unbearable. 3. At school, he doesn't eat (20 kids in pre-k plus staff and they prepare the meals.) So he comes home famished and out of control Should I feed him separate of the family and just let him sit at the table with us when the rest of the family eats? As it stands, we haven't had an enjoyable family meal yet because he makes that an impossiblity. SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!!!!!!! Jennie mom of (6), (5 - MDS), Maren (21 mos.) Become a member of IMDSA today at http://www.imdsa.com ******************************************************* Contact IMDSA Today at: IMDSA~PO Box 1052~lin,TX~77856~USA~1-~1-888-MDS-LINK ********************************************************************* Share your story today! http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com ********************************************************* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 At the risk of sounding like a drill sergeant I'll add my two cents about sensory issues and family meals. Todd is 13 now and doing really well and I attribute that to a certain extent to an early interventionist who challenged us to set the bar high and to teach Todd to expect the best from himself. When sensory issues pop up and are identified with regard to eating, I ask myself 1. can he eat it- is there an oral motor skill lacking that might cause him to gag or choke? Issues with this should be brought up with an oral motor/ speech path. 2. is it sensory (texture, temp, etc)- if so I break it down, isolating the experiences (example- pudding can be warm and thin, cool and thick, mixed w/ something like marshmallows or fruit to be bumpy/chewy) then I would introduce them a little at a time until he was comfortable with each of the new sensations. I do not cook separate meals for any of my kids and Todd knows it! If he feels like he would rather not eat he may choose not to eat, or to eat a particular part of his meal. At 13 he now knows that if he doesn't want to eat he can make himself a sandwich (its quite a sight, but he must make it on his own). Regarding the table... First have only he and yourself at the table (but have everything else the same (ie. set the table, sit at the big table, and for the most part possible keep the menu the same). The next night add a sibling, then another, and another, till the table is full. Regarding isolation (to smaller table or to eating alone)- patterns are often unintentionally set at a really young age. Ask yourself " do I want him to be eating alone the rest of his life? " I'm sure not. Be careful not to create an unacceptable habit. The same is true with picky eaters... is it ok that they only eat A, B, and C? If so great, but if not, don't allow it now. Best wishes a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2006 Report Share Posted March 23, 2006 THANK YOU! That is VERY helpful and actually, does fit a little more with our family philosophy, which is, try it once. If you don't like it, fine. But you've got to at least try it. I hadn't thought of it,but you are right. If I isolate him at meals now, how then, do I reintegrate him later? Better to train him now... THANKS AGAIN! > > At the risk of sounding like a drill sergeant I'll add my two cents about > sensory issues and family meals. Todd is 13 now and doing really well and I > attribute that to a certain extent to an early interventionist who challenged us > to set the bar high and to teach Todd to expect the best from himself. When > sensory issues pop up and are identified with regard to eating, I ask myself > 1. can he eat it- is there an oral motor skill lacking that might cause him > to gag or choke? Issues with this should be brought up with an oral motor/ > speech path. 2. is it sensory (texture, temp, etc)- if so I break it down, > isolating the experiences (example- pudding can be warm and thin, cool and > thick, mixed w/ something like marshmallows or fruit to be bumpy/chewy) then I > would introduce them a little at a time until he was comfortable with each of > the new sensations. I do not cook separate meals for any of my kids and Todd > knows it! If he feels like he would rather not eat he may choose not to eat, > or to eat a particular part of his meal. At 13 he now knows that if he > doesn't want to eat he can make himself a sandwich (its quite a sight, but he > must make it on his own). Regarding the table... First have only he and > yourself at the table (but have everything else the same (ie. set the table, sit > at the big table, and for the most part possible keep the menu the same). > The next night add a sibling, then another, and another, till the table is > full. Regarding isolation (to smaller table or to eating alone)- patterns are > often unintentionally set at a really young age. Ask yourself " do I want him > to be eating alone the rest of his life? " I'm sure not. Be careful not to > create an unacceptable habit. The same is true with picky eaters... is it ok > that they only eat A, B, and C? If so great, but if not, don't allow it now. > Best wishes > > a > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2006 Report Share Posted March 23, 2006 Okay well how do you " handle " a 2 year old who has a very limited menu?? Please give me your suggestions. Blessings.... Terrie Jennie wrote: THANK YOU! That is VERY helpful and actually, does fit a little more with our family philosophy, which is, try it once. If you don't like it, fine. But you've got to at least try it. I hadn't thought of it,but you are right. If I isolate him at meals now, how then, do I reintegrate him later? Better to train him now... THANKS AGAIN! > > At the risk of sounding like a drill sergeant I'll add my two cents about > sensory issues and family meals. Todd is 13 now and doing really well and I > attribute that to a certain extent to an early interventionist who challenged us > to set the bar high and to teach Todd to expect the best from himself. When > sensory issues pop up and are identified with regard to eating, I ask myself > 1. can he eat it- is there an oral motor skill lacking that might cause him > to gag or choke? Issues with this should be brought up with an oral motor/ > speech path. 2. is it sensory (texture, temp, etc)- if so I break it down, > isolating the experiences (example- pudding can be warm and thin, cool and > thick, mixed w/ something like marshmallows or fruit to be bumpy/chewy) then I > would introduce them a little at a time until he was comfortable with each of > the new sensations. I do not cook separate meals for any of my kids and Todd > knows it! If he feels like he would rather not eat he may choose not to eat, > or to eat a particular part of his meal. At 13 he now knows that if he > doesn't want to eat he can make himself a sandwich (its quite a sight, but he > must make it on his own). Regarding the table... First have only he and > yourself at the table (but have everything else the same (ie. set the table, sit > at the big table, and for the most part possible keep the menu the same). > The next night add a sibling, then another, and another, till the table is > full. Regarding isolation (to smaller table or to eating alone)- patterns are > often unintentionally set at a really young age. Ask yourself " do I want him > to be eating alone the rest of his life? " I'm sure not. Be careful not to > create an unacceptable habit. The same is true with picky eaters... is it ok > that they only eat A, B, and C? If so great, but if not, don't allow it now. > Best wishes > > a > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2006 Report Share Posted March 23, 2006 The thing we do over here is expect each child to eat at least one bite of everything on their plate. I promise, they will not go hungry. Limit the in between snacks to help promote more eating at the dinner table. My 4yo hasn't eaten much in 6mo, but still is very healthy and active. She will come around. I believe by having the children eat different foods, especially at a young age, will proote healthy eating habits as an adult. Irene mom to Nat 11 MDS, Luke 9, Emilia 7, lillian 4, and Isaac 2 Terrie Olive wrote: Okay well how do you " handle " a 2 year old who has a very limited menu?? Please give me your suggestions. Blessings.... Terrie Jennie wrote: THANK YOU! That is VERY helpful and actually, does fit a little more with our family philosophy, which is, try it once. If you don't like it, fine. But you've got to at least try it. I hadn't thought of it,but you are right. If I isolate him at meals now, how then, do I reintegrate him later? Better to train him now... THANKS AGAIN! > > At the risk of sounding like a drill sergeant I'll add my two cents about > sensory issues and family meals. Todd is 13 now and doing really well and I > attribute that to a certain extent to an early interventionist who challenged us > to set the bar high and to teach Todd to expect the best from himself. When > sensory issues pop up and are identified with regard to eating, I ask myself > 1. can he eat it- is there an oral motor skill lacking that might cause him > to gag or choke? Issues with this should be brought up with an oral motor/ > speech path. 2. is it sensory (texture, temp, etc)- if so I break it down, > isolating the experiences (example- pudding can be warm and thin, cool and > thick, mixed w/ something like marshmallows or fruit to be bumpy/chewy) then I > would introduce them a little at a time until he was comfortable with each of > the new sensations. I do not cook separate meals for any of my kids and Todd > knows it! If he feels like he would rather not eat he may choose not to eat, > or to eat a particular part of his meal. At 13 he now knows that if he > doesn't want to eat he can make himself a sandwich (its quite a sight, but he > must make it on his own). Regarding the table... First have only he and > yourself at the table (but have everything else the same (ie. set the table, sit > at the big table, and for the most part possible keep the menu the same). > The next night add a sibling, then another, and another, till the table is > full. Regarding isolation (to smaller table or to eating alone)- patterns are > often unintentionally set at a really young age. Ask yourself " do I want him > to be eating alone the rest of his life? " I'm sure not. Be careful not to > create an unacceptable habit. The same is true with picky eaters... is it ok > that they only eat A, B, and C? If so great, but if not, don't allow it now. > Best wishes > > a > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2006 Report Share Posted March 23, 2006 Jennie, how old is your son? I know that my daughter did not eat solid food until after her tonsils were removed. She had ear infections and I took her to an ENT. The ENT took one look and said, " I bet she is not eating solid foods yet " . I replied, " You're right " - Anyway, she had her toncils, adnoids and tubes put in all at once. She did start eating solid foods after that. Just something to think about - may not be a problem for your son at all. (She was about 2 1/2 when her tonsils were removed.) Charlotte Re: Meal time THANK YOU! That is VERY helpful and actually, does fit a little more with our family philosophy, which is, try it once. If you don't like it, fine. But you've got to at least try it. I hadn't thought of it,but you are right. If I isolate him at meals now, how then, do I reintegrate him later? Better to train him now... THANKS AGAIN! > > At the risk of sounding like a drill sergeant I'll add my two cents about > sensory issues and family meals. Todd is 13 now and doing really well and I > attribute that to a certain extent to an early interventionist who challenged us > to set the bar high and to teach Todd to expect the best from himself. When > sensory issues pop up and are identified with regard to eating, I ask myself > 1. can he eat it- is there an oral motor skill lacking that might cause him > to gag or choke? Issues with this should be brought up with an oral motor/ > speech path. 2. is it sensory (texture, temp, etc)- if so I break it down, > isolating the experiences (example- pudding can be warm and thin, cool and > thick, mixed w/ something like marshmallows or fruit to be bumpy/chewy) then I > would introduce them a little at a time until he was comfortable with each of > the new sensations. I do not cook separate meals for any of my kids and Todd > knows it! If he feels like he would rather not eat he may choose not to eat, > or to eat a particular part of his meal. At 13 he now knows that if he > doesn't want to eat he can make himself a sandwich (its quite a sight, but he > must make it on his own). Regarding the table... First have only he and > yourself at the table (but have everything else the same (ie. set the table, sit > at the big table, and for the most part possible keep the menu the same). > The next night add a sibling, then another, and another, till the table is > full. Regarding isolation (to smaller table or to eating alone)- patterns are > often unintentionally set at a really young age. Ask yourself " do I want him > to be eating alone the rest of his life? " I'm sure not. Be careful not to > create an unacceptable habit. The same is true with picky eaters... is it ok > that they only eat A, B, and C? If so great, but if not, don't allow it now. > Best wishes > > a > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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