The act of feeding a child can cause tension and anxiety for many parents. Mealtimes can be difficult because of picky eaters, food aversions, and sensory difficulties. Fortunately, there are treatments that can assist children in expanding their food preferences and establishing better eating habits. Food chaining therapy is one of these therapies.
What is food chaining?
Food chaining therapy is a type of feeding therapy designed to help children with food aversions, picky eating, and other feeding difficulties. The therapy is based on the principles of behavior modification and focuses on gradually introducing new foods to a child’s diet. The goal of food chaining therapy is to help children develop a more varied and balanced diet.
How Does Food Chaining Therapy Work?
Food chaining therapy involves progressively introducing new meals that are similar to the child’s favorite foods in terms of flavor, texture, and appearance. For example, if a child likes mashed potatoes, the therapist might also give mashed sweet potatoes or carrots. As the child becomes more comfortable with these similar foods, the therapist may introduce more diverse foods, such as roasted vegetables or stir fry. Food chaining therapy can also involve oral motor exercises, which are designed to strengthen the muscles used in eating and swallowing. For example, the therapist may use exercises that involve biting, chewing, and swallowing to help the child become more comfortable with new 2 textures and flavor. The therapist works with the child and their family to develop a customized feeding plan based on the child’s preferences, aversions, and sensory issues.
What are the Benefits of Food Chaining Therapy?
Food chaining therapy has several benefits for children with feeding difficulties. These include:
- 1. Improved Nutrition
- 2. Reduced Anxiety and make mealtime more enjoyable.
- 3. Improved Quality of Life
- 4. Increased Independence
Understanding and addressing the complexities of feeding difficulties in children is a critical aspect of nurturing their growth and development. At the American Wellness Center in Dubai, our Speech and Language Therapy department offers specialized services, including food chaining therapy, to support children facing such challenges. Our approach is designed to help children with food aversions, picky eating, and sensory sensitivities to expand their dietary preferences and develop healthier eating habits, contributing to their overall well-being.
