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5 Tips to Combat Picky Eating in a Child with Sensory Processing Difficulties

Picky eating is very common among children, especially those with sensory processing difficulties. The most common behaviors associated with picky eating are:

• Not wanting to try new foods
• Being extremely selective; only eating a few foods
• Not being interested in eating
• Refusing to eat certain textures, colors, etc.

Here are 5 tips to help your child eat new, healthy foods:

1. Go Slow

Set small, attainable goals so your child feels accomplished and encouraged to keep trying to expand his or her diet. Don't overwhelm your child with too much change or too many introductions to new foods at once. Try one at a time and usually at the beginning of a meal when he or she is hungriest, combining new foods with foods he or she already likes and feels comfortable with.

2. Be Consistent

Be consistent. Even if your child doesn't like or try a new food on her plate, continue adding it to the plate a few more times before giving up on it.

3. Keep it Simple

Because it's overwhelming for a picky eater to think of a variety of foods, limit the choices you offer. Rather than asking, "what do you want to eat?", ask "would you like avocado or strawberries?"

4. Encourage your child to participate in cooking

Giving him or her the chance to feel a part of the preparation process could encourage him or her to try new things. As well, playing with food can make making and eating food fun. Making faces with veggies on a pizza is always a hit, as well as making 'ants on a log' with celery, peanut butter and raisins. Even setting the table gets your child involved in the meal process.

5. Eat together and often

Although children are more likely to eat if they're on a schedule, it's important to respect your child's appetite. Forcing him or her to eat at specific times could create extra anxiety around food. Sharing meals as a family gives children the opportunity to model appropriate eating habits and behaviors. Even if he or she  doesn't eat it all, it's good practice to spend time at the table as a family while others are eating.

It's common for parents to be concerned that their child isn't getting enough nutrition. Check out the USDA's comprehensive site addressing the nutritional and caloric needs of children  and consult your pediatrician.

What has been the biggest help in encouraging your own child to try new foods? Let us know in the comments below!