Re: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

[Guest guest]

Cheryl, Ilene and all

I have a 15 year old with a severe eating disorder, he only eats

about a dozen foods. He’s not undernourished, believe me, but his quality of

life is impacted and he’s always hungry. Do you think that’s too old to begin

a feeding program? We did something similar as part of his home program many

years ago, but it was not successful.

Regards,

From:

sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf

Of cheryl

Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:34 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: Re:Need Evaluation

Thank you for your support of OTs. I am a trained OT

in feeding, however before I was an OT, I was a mom of a child with autism who

would only eat pretzels, spaghetti & goldfish etc. First I tried

the sensory way, then I tried it the behavioral way, and then a mixture of

both. She eats everything now, including fish.

Good luck

Cheryl

From: " RM10@... "

To: sList

Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:08:53 AM

Subject: Re:Need Evaluation

Stacey,

Please keep in mind from a mom like a me who has a child with a

feeding disorder, that not only speech therapists can perform and treat eating

disorders, but occupational therapists can as well. Regardless of whether

it is on ot or an slp, it is very important to determine that either therapist

HAS experience in treating and has certifications and training in treating

children with disabilities and/or medical conditions. For example if a child

has an eating disorder which is medical/behavioral in nature due to the

autism(sensory integration disorders, oral aversions) and ot who is sipt and

praxis certified and specializes in eating disorders would be just as qualified

to treat eating disorders.

(Just a Mom)

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

One is never too old. The problem I can foresee is if your child is aggressive when he is resistant. I can only tell you my experience and what I am learning and see if you can use some of it.

I am in the middle of doing some overhauling of my son's eating and he is only 6. He is not very happy about it. I have been doing a combination of using what I am learning in the book, "Just Take a Bite," which is amazing. However, the book indicates to not try to "coerce" the child into eating. Prior to this, I would place a huge reinforcer on his tray (as he was previously eating in the living room with the tv) to motivate him to eat the "bad" food I put on his plate. I started with a carrot since my goal was to increase veggies. I did a single carrot for about a week, then upped the ante to 2-3 carrots. Then, I started adding them to his lunch too. This was fine even though it seems the process is slow. But I always had to be in control. The book indicates that when one puts a dessert or a reward, the child begins to think, "I have to eat the bad food before I can eat the good food." I don't want my son to have food issues or a negative relationship with food. Sometimes, behavioral strategies can lead to that using the first/then. Again, it leads the child to think he/she has to eat the bad food before eating the good. So, the first thing I did was make a schedule and some mealtime rules, without using the word rules. I attached it for anyone who wants to use it. Modify it for you and your family, add pics, etc. I need to make some modifications to the rules as I learn my son and as he changes over time.

The book indicates that when our children miss crucial stages of development, it makes it more difficult for them to eat a variety of textures and foods. The book does not include any biomedical aspects with the exception of Zinc. It is important to note that many of our kids are deficient in this essential mineral and Zinc affects our sense of smell, so it is important to eating. Think about how you feel when you have a cold, food is not as appealing, right? See if you can get 20 mg of Zinc in your son somehow. Kirkmanlabs has both a capsule and a liquid (tastes fine) you can put in a drink. I find with my son, though, he needs a very full belly and I break the dosage down into smaller parts or he pukes.

I know you have mentioned this before, but are you certain he does not have any biological food issues? How does his belly look? I don't know anything about the reported highs the kids get from the casein or gluten; it was not why I chose to do this diet with my son. My son's belly was just always distended and he did not go to the bathroom often enough; that cannot be comfortable. I also severely limited my gluten/casein intake and noticed a substantial difference; not right away but when I would have a sandwich from Subway or Einsteins. I was miserable the rest of the day. But when you live it for so long, you get acclimated to it. It's when you take it away and reintroduce it, you notice a difference. I was very resistant to removing these items from Austin b/c I thought he'd starve, he didn’t have those issues the other kids reportedly had and quite frankly, it's a pain in the ass for us as a family. It is just a thought. I don't expect my son to be "cured" or "recovered" from this diet but I want him healthier overall and so many foods are bad for him. He cannot process them well enough to keep eating them. Do I have labs about this? No, but we have done our own limiting and reintroducing enough times to see a significant pattern and relationship. Eating the same foods severely limits the ability to try newer foods. Removing these foods helped Austin to be more open to trying all sorts of new foods. Is he where I want him to be? No, but he is making improvements.

I am still using a combination of behavior and addressing his development. I put a stool for his feet and am going to purchase more comfy kitchen chairs. I prep him for the meal schedule and we review the mealtime rules, though I don't say "rules."

Start very small. If you are not ready to implement any dietary changes, use his preferred foods as the reward. Eat a bite of a carrot before you eat your pizza. I always have Austin's stables on the plate as well. The reward is for trying the new food, not the staple. The book indicates to allow the child to chew and spit and shape over time. I have allowed this once so far.

Also, he is a 15 year old boy. They eat so much.

Why was the initial feeding program you did years ago not successful? Get the book, "Just Take a Bite" to start. It really opened my eyes about development and my own cultural family issues with food. So very helpful. Remember to start small. Only one small change at a time. For example, perhaps only start with the meal times. Post and review and stick with it. Then add the mealtime rules, maybe one rule at a time. I have a time-timer on the kitchen table to show him how long to sit; 15-30 minutes tops. He has been saying he's not hungry, which he is, so I say just come sit until the timer goes off. He sits and then starts eating. Oh, and he has an art for negotiating. He is up to a salad in a bowl, with chopped spinach leaves, 5 carrots and a half of celery stalk. I sat a huge Reeses peanut butter cup (not dairy free-the real thing as I had run out of ice pops) in front of him and he started to negotiate. He ended up not eating the new food but he ate an entire salad. I also had to figure out how to ensure he ate enough. As he would eat the 3 bites of the new food, the reward, then would be hungry in 15 minutes. So, now the requirement is that his staples (deli turkey and salad) are non-negotiable and he only earns the treat after that and the 3 bites of a new food.

See if any of this helps.

From: Karp

Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 9:55 PM

To: sList

Subject: RE: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

Cheryl, Ilene and all

I have a 15 year old with a severe eating disorder, he only eats about a dozen foods. He’s not undernourished, believe me, but his quality of life is impacted and he’s always hungry. Do you think that’s too old to begin a feeding program? We did something similar as part of his home program many years ago, but it was not successful.

Regards,

From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of cherylSent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:34 PMTo: sList Subject: Re: Re:Need Evaluation

Thank you for your support of OTs. I am a trained OT in feeding, however before I was an OT, I was a mom of a child with autism who would only eat pretzels, spaghetti & goldfish etc. First I tried the sensory way, then I tried it the behavioral way, and then a mixture of both. She eats everything now, including fish. Good luck

Cheryl

From: "RM10aol" <RM10aol>To: sList Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:08:53 AMSubject: Re:Need Evaluation

Stacey,

Please keep in mind from a mom like a me who has a child with a feeding disorder, that not only speech therapists can perform and treat eating disorders, but occupational therapists can as well. Regardless of whether it is on ot or an slp, it is very important to determine that either therapist HAS experience in treating and has certifications and training in treating children with disabilities and/or medical conditions. For example if a child has an eating disorder which is medical/behavioral in nature due to the autism(sensory integration disorders, oral aversions) and ot who is sipt and praxis certified and specializes in eating disorders would be just as qualified to treat eating disorders.

(Just a Mom)

2 of 2 File(s)

Mealtime.docx

Meal times.docx

[Guest guest]

We never say never too late. We try & try and hopefully something will click. What are his "favorite" foods? There can be modifications made slowly to the "favorites" ie: spaghetti - add pureed vegetables to the sauce, pancakes - chopped fruits etc. My daughters all time favorite was stuffing balls - stove top stuffing made into finger food, so I added vegetables to the chicken broth & cooked chicken and after awhile it was mostly vegetables and less stuffing. Then, behaviorally - she loved going out for spaghetti - so I would order a side salad and it was first "eat 2 bites - then spaghetti" and up to 4, 10 etc. Now she eats the salad first (no onions or olives)or whatever her non favorite food is on the plate before she gets her favorite which

is usually some carbohydrate and then she gets a choc chip cookie for dessert when she eats everything. And she is now 16. I can take her anywhere now - even thai food - they have spinach noodles with veggies & chicken and not spicy and she loves it. It has taken tears & years.

Good luck.

Cheryl

To: sList Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 9:55:15 PMSubject: RE: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

Cheryl, Ilene and all

I have a 15 year old with a severe eating disorder, he only eats about a dozen foods. He’s not undernourished, believe me, but his quality of life is impacted and he’s always hungry. Do you think that’s too old to begin a feeding program? We did something similar as part of his home program many years ago, but it was not successful.

Regards,

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of cherylSent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:34 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: Re: Re:Need Evaluation

Thank you for your support of OTs. I am a trained OT in feeding, however before I was an OT, I was a mom of a child with autism who would only eat pretzels, spaghetti & goldfish etc. First I tried the sensory way, then I tried it the behavioral way, and then a mixture of both. She eats everything now, including fish. Good luck

Cheryl

From: "RM10aol (DOT) com" <RM10aol (DOT) com>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:08:53 AMSubject: Re:Need Evaluation

Stacey,

Please keep in mind from a mom like a me who has a child with a feeding disorder, that not only speech therapists can perform and treat eating disorders, but occupational therapists can as well. Regardless of whether it is on ot or an slp, it is very important to determine that either therapist HAS experience in treating and has certifications and training in treating children with disabilities and/or medical conditions. For example if a child has an eating disorder which is medical/behavioral in nature due to the autism(sensory integration disorders, oral aversions) and ot who is sipt and praxis certified and specializes in eating disorders would be just as qualified to treat eating disorders.

(Just a Mom)

[Guest guest]

I, too, have been using a combo of behavioral strategies and whatever else. What is your daughter's relationship with food? Would you say it is positive or do you have concerns about how she feels about food? Just curious. I am just trying to avoid food issues in terms of an eating disorder in my son's future. I don't want him to think he has to eat the "bad" food" before he can eat the "good" food. I try to label foods as healthy and either not healthy/unhealthy or less healthy. But in thinking of myself, I eat what my non-preferred food is before I sit and enjoy my preferred food item too. Hmmm....Just a thought...

From: cheryl

Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 3:15 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

We never say never too late. We try & try and hopefully something will click. What are his "favorite" foods? There can be modifications made slowly to the "favorites" ie: spaghetti - add pureed vegetables to the sauce, pancakes - chopped fruits etc. My daughters all time favorite was stuffing balls - stove top stuffing made into finger food, so I added vegetables to the chicken broth & cooked chicken and after awhile it was mostly vegetables and less stuffing. Then, behaviorally - she loved going out for spaghetti - so I would order a side salad and it was first "eat 2 bites - then spaghetti" and up to 4, 10 etc. Now she eats the salad first (no onions or olives)or whatever her non favorite food is on the plate before she gets her favorite which is usually some carbohydrate and then she gets a choc chip cookie for dessert when she eats everything. And she is now 16. I can take her anywhere now - even thai food - they have spinach noodles with veggies & chicken and not spicy and she loves it. It has taken tears & years.

Good luck.

Cheryl

From: Karp <denisekarpmyacc (DOT) net>To: sList Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 9:55:15 PMSubject: RE: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

Cheryl, Ilene and all

I have a 15 year old with a severe eating disorder, he only eats about a dozen foods. He’s not undernourished, believe me, but his quality of life is impacted and he’s always hungry. Do you think that’s too old to begin a feeding program? We did something similar as part of his home program many years ago, but it was not successful.

Regards,

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of cherylSent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:34 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: Re: Re:Need Evaluation

Thank you for your support of OTs. I am a trained OT in feeding, however before I was an OT, I was a mom of a child with autism who would only eat pretzels, spaghetti & goldfish etc. First I tried the sensory way, then I tried it the behavioral way, and then a mixture of both. She eats everything now, including fish. Good luck

Cheryl

From: "RM10aol (DOT) com" <RM10aol (DOT) com>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:08:53 AMSubject: Re:Need Evaluation

Stacey,

Please keep in mind from a mom like a me who has a child with a feeding disorder, that not only speech therapists can perform and treat eating disorders, but occupational therapists can as well. Regardless of whether it is on ot or an slp, it is very important to determine that either therapist HAS experience in treating and has certifications and training in treating children with disabilities and/or medical conditions. For example if a child has an eating disorder which is medical/behavioral in nature due to the autism(sensory integration disorders, oral aversions) and ot who is sipt and praxis certified and specializes in eating disorders would be just as qualified to treat eating disorders.

(Just a Mom)

[Guest guest]

For me, my son doesnt like textures. Its hard to get him to try them. I have been trying to get him to eat teady gramhms each day..

To: sList Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 6:29:31 PMSubject: Re: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

I, too, have been using a combo of behavioral strategies and whatever else. What is your daughter's relationship with food? Would you say it is positive or do you have concerns about how she feels about food? Just curious. I am just trying to avoid food issues in terms of an eating disorder in my son's future. I don't want him to think he has to eat the "bad" food" before he can eat the "good" food. I try to label foods as healthy and either not healthy/unhealthy or less healthy. But in thinking of myself, I eat what my non-preferred food is before I sit and enjoy my preferred food item too. Hmmm....Just a thought...

From: cheryl

Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 3:15 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

We never say never too late. We try & try and hopefully something will click. What are his "favorite" foods? There can be modifications made slowly to the "favorites" ie: spaghetti - add pureed vegetables to the sauce, pancakes - chopped fruits etc. My daughters all time favorite was stuffing balls - stove top stuffing made into finger food, so I added vegetables to the chicken broth & cooked chicken and after awhile it was mostly vegetables and less stuffing. Then, behaviorally - she loved going out for spaghetti - so I would order a side salad and it was first "eat 2 bites - then spaghetti" and up to 4, 10 etc. Now she eats the salad first (no onions or olives)or whatever her non favorite food is on the plate before she gets her favorite which is usually some carbohydrate and then she gets a choc chip cookie for dessert when she eats everything. And she is now 16. I can take her anywhere now

- even thai food - they have spinach noodles with veggies & chicken and not spicy and she loves it. It has taken tears & years.

Good luck.

Cheryl

From: Karp <denisekarpmyacc (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 9:55:15 PMSubject: RE: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

Cheryl, Ilene and all

I have a 15 year old with a severe eating disorder, he only eats about a dozen foods. He’s not undernourished, believe me, but his quality of life is impacted and he’s always hungry. Do you think that’s too old to begin a feeding program? We did something similar as part of his home program many years ago, but it was not successful.

Regards,

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of cherylSent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:34 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: Re: Re:Need Evaluation

Thank you for your support of OTs. I am a trained OT in feeding, however before I was an OT, I was a mom of a child with autism who would only eat pretzels, spaghetti & goldfish etc. First I tried the sensory way, then I tried it the behavioral way, and then a mixture of both. She eats everything now, including fish. Good luck

Cheryl

From: "RM10@ aol.. com" <RM10aol (DOT) com>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:08:53 AMSubject: Re:Need Evaluation

Stacey,

Please keep in mind from a mom like a me who has a child with a feeding disorder, that not only speech therapists can perform and treat eating disorders, but occupational therapists can as well. Regardless of whether it is on ot or an slp, it is very important to determine that either therapist HAS experience in treating and has certifications and training in treating children with disabilities and/or medical conditions. For example if a child has an eating disorder which is medical/behavioral in nature due to the autism(sensory integration disorders, oral aversions) and ot who is sipt and praxis certified and specializes in eating disorders would be just as qualified to treat eating disorders.

(Just a Mom)

[Guest guest]

I strongly encourage people who have kids with eating challenges to purchase the book, "Just Take a Bite"....

It opened my eyes to so many things from developmental issues that were never addressed to my own personal views about food. I really want my son to have a positive relationship with food and I want to avoid the coercion I feel like I get sucked into at times. The end of the book has multiple activities to address the various stages of development. They are simple but obviously take a little planning.

There are so many interventions we can do on our own and don't necessarily need to pay someone to do a program. Ultimately, we have the kids and we really need to learn them. We are their best teachers.

What I found interesting is that in the parent/child relationship, both my son and us as parents, became very enmeshed in the process of eating. It was like a dance and eventually he trained us in many ways. I also have noted that while reading so much about autism, it is easy as a parent to think the same is applicable to my child. For example, one reads about food aversions and then applies it to their child without thinking about their individuality. Not all kids need to have food aversions and some can be shaped up to do well with food. I think in this respect, I came to an acceptance of it when I know if he had lived with my friends for example, the eating thing would not be an issue. He'd learn to eat what was presented to him. I realize there are other factors and I am in no way being black and white about it but he is the kid and I am the parent. Ok, enough rambling...

Get the book!

From: Wihlborg

Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 9:57 AM

To: sList

Subject: Re: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

For me, my son doesnt like textures. Its hard to get him to try them. I have been trying to get him to eat teady gramhms each day..

From: "austintandtbellsouth (DOT) net" <austintandtbellsouth (DOT) net>To: sList Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 6:29:31 PMSubject: Re: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

I, too, have been using a combo of behavioral strategies and whatever else. What is your daughter's relationship with food? Would you say it is positive or do you have concerns about how she feels about food? Just curious. I am just trying to avoid food issues in terms of an eating disorder in my son's future. I don't want him to think he has to eat the "bad" food" before he can eat the "good" food. I try to label foods as healthy and either not healthy/unhealthy or less healthy. But in thinking of myself, I eat what my non-preferred food is before I sit and enjoy my preferred food item too. Hmmm....Just a thought...

From: cheryl

Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 3:15 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

We never say never too late. We try & try and hopefully something will click. What are his "favorite" foods? There can be modifications made slowly to the "favorites" ie: spaghetti - add pureed vegetables to the sauce, pancakes - chopped fruits etc. My daughters all time favorite was stuffing balls - stove top stuffing made into finger food, so I added vegetables to the chicken broth & cooked chicken and after awhile it was mostly vegetables and less stuffing. Then, behaviorally - she loved going out for spaghetti - so I would order a side salad and it was first "eat 2 bites - then spaghetti" and up to 4, 10 etc. Now she eats the salad first (no onions or olives)or whatever her non favorite food is on the plate before she gets her favorite which is usually some carbohydrate and then she gets a choc chip cookie for dessert when she eats everything. And she is now 16. I can take her anywhere now - even thai food - they have spinach noodles with veggies & chicken and not spicy and she loves it. It has taken tears & years.

Good luck.

Cheryl

From: Karp <denisekarpmyacc (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 9:55:15 PMSubject: RE: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

Cheryl, Ilene and all

I have a 15 year old with a severe eating disorder, he only eats about a dozen foods. He’s not undernourished, believe me, but his quality of life is impacted and he’s always hungry. Do you think that’s too old to begin a feeding program? We did something similar as part of his home program many years ago, but it was not successful.

Regards,

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of cherylSent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:34 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: Re: Re:Need Evaluation

Thank you for your support of OTs. I am a trained OT in feeding, however before I was an OT, I was a mom of a child with autism who would only eat pretzels, spaghetti & goldfish etc. First I tried the sensory way, then I tried it the behavioral way, and then a mixture of both. She eats everything now, including fish. Good luck

Cheryl

From: "RM10@ aol.. com" <RM10aol (DOT) com>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:08:53 AMSubject: Re:Need Evaluation

Stacey,

Please keep in mind from a mom like a me who has a child with a feeding disorder, that not only speech therapists can perform and treat eating disorders, but occupational therapists can as well. Regardless of whether it is on ot or an slp, it is very important to determine that either therapist HAS experience in treating and has certifications and training in treating children with disabilities and/or medical conditions. For example if a child has an eating disorder which is medical/behavioral in nature due to the autism(sensory integration disorders, oral aversions) and ot who is sipt and praxis certified and specializes in eating disorders would be just as qualified to treat eating disorders.

(Just a Mom)

[Guest guest]

I never labeled food as good or bad. I guess I went back to how I was raised - eat your dinner before you get dessert etc. Believe me, it took alot of gagging, tears & time. I would just clean it up, staying very neutral, and keep trying. It really helped when we went out to dinner because she loved spaghetti. But I also remember all the times before that when I had to bring her food (small cans of chef boyardee- yuck) which I never have her eat now but we were also trying to stay seated and be a part of the family. As I said before, we are their best teachers and she eats what I eat and thank goodness she doesn't like many sweets like I do (so I don't keep it in the house). She will eat things when she is at camp and other places that

still amaze me, why - because that's all there is and there's no choice, still reverts back to how I was raised.

Crunchy was also her favorite for a long time, she needed the sensory input so I would change it a little at a time - ie: goldfish, to cut up cruncy apples etc. Color of things was also a big deal. So sensory, but with time & patience and some great staff at some schools that would try with the school lunch along with "typical" children during inclusion time it clicked.

Cheryl

To: sList Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 9:57:51 AMSubject: Re: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

For me, my son doesnt like textures. Its hard to get him to try them. I have been trying to get him to eat teady gramhms each day..

From: "austintandt@ bellsouth. net" <austintandt@ bellsouth. net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Friday, August 21, 2009 6:29:31 PMSubject: Re: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

I, too, have been using a combo of behavioral strategies and whatever else. What is your daughter's relationship with food? Would you say it is positive or do you have concerns about how she feels about food? Just curious. I am just trying to avoid food issues in terms of an eating disorder in my son's future. I don't want him to think he has to eat the "bad" food" before he can eat the "good" food. I try to label foods as healthy and either not healthy/unhealthy or less healthy. But in thinking of myself, I eat what my non-preferred food is before I sit and enjoy my preferred food item too. Hmmm....Just a thought...

From: cheryl

Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 3:15 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

We never say never too late. We try & try and hopefully something will click. What are his "favorite" foods? There can be modifications made slowly to the "favorites" ie: spaghetti - add pureed vegetables to the sauce, pancakes - chopped fruits etc. My daughters all time favorite was stuffing balls - stove top stuffing made into finger food, so I added vegetables to the chicken broth & cooked chicken and after awhile it was mostly vegetables and less stuffing. Then, behaviorally - she loved going out for spaghetti - so I would order a side salad and it was first "eat 2 bites - then spaghetti" and up to 4, 10 etc. Now she eats the salad first (no onions or olives)or whatever her non favorite food is on the plate before she gets her favorite which is usually some carbohydrate and then she gets a choc chip cookie for dessert when she eats everything. And she is now 16. I can take her anywhere now

- even thai food - they have spinach noodles with veggies & chicken and not spicy and she loves it. It has taken tears & years.

Good luck.

Cheryl

From: Karp <denisekarpmyacc (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 9:55:15 PMSubject: RE: was: Need Evaluation. now: Feeding Disorders

Cheryl, Ilene and all

I have a 15 year old with a severe eating disorder, he only eats about a dozen foods. He’s not undernourished, believe me, but his quality of life is impacted and he’s always hungry. Do you think that’s too old to begin a feeding program? We did something similar as part of his home program many years ago, but it was not successful.

Regards,

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of cherylSent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:34 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: Re: Re:Need Evaluation

Thank you for your support of OTs. I am a trained OT in feeding, however before I was an OT, I was a mom of a child with autism who would only eat pretzels, spaghetti & goldfish etc. First I tried the sensory way, then I tried it the behavioral way, and then a mixture of both. She eats everything now, including fish. Good luck

Cheryl

From: "RM10@ aol.. com" <RM10aol (DOT) com>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 1:08:53 AMSubject: Re:Need Evaluation

Stacey,

Please keep in mind from a mom like a me who has a child with a feeding disorder, that not only speech therapists can perform and treat eating disorders, but occupational therapists can as well. Regardless of whether it is on ot or an slp, it is very important to determine that either therapist HAS experience in treating and has certifications and training in treating children with disabilities and/or medical conditions. For example if a child has an eating disorder which is medical/behavioral in nature due to the autism(sensory integration disorders, oral aversions) and ot who is sipt and praxis certified and specializes in eating disorders would be just as qualified to treat eating disorders.

(Just a Mom)