AN INTRODUCTION TO FOOD SCHOOL

As schools are getting ready to start up again, it is a great time to think about another type of school - Food School, or Feeding Therapy. Just like some children may need extra support in math or reading, some children need extra support around mealtimes. This may become apparent in different ways, but children and teens who could benefit from feeding therapy might: 

• Have had difficulty eating as a baby and continued to be ‘picky’ as they grew older
• Take longer than 30 minutes to finish a meal
• Experience a high level of stress/frustration at meals (parents too!)
• Eat different foods from the rest of the family at a meal

Just like learning to walk or talk, learning to eat is a developmental skill - and one that does not just automatically happen for every child. Eating is actually one of the most complex tasks that children participate in, and many of us adults take this skill for granted. Additionally, it is estimated that more than 1 in 37 children under the age of 5 are affected by Pediatric Feeding Disorder in the US, and some of those children grow into teens and adults who still need support.

So, what does a day in Food School look like?

All therapy services at DFX are grounded in Therapy that fits, so you can expect Food School sessions to be individualized to your child’s strengths. Using their favorite themes and topics, we explore foods together to help build the skills needed to eat a wide variety of foods using the SOS Approach to Feeding. In younger children, this exploration looks like play, as children learn best through play.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Feeding Matters is an incredible resource for families of children who have a hard time at mealtimes. From identification of feeding challenges, understanding the difference between Pediatric Feeding Disorder and ARFID, or connecting with another parent who has also navigated feeding challenges, Feeding Matters provides so many helpful free resources.

Sponsorship Opportunities!

Thank you to Cigna Healthcare, Developmental Pathways, The Standard, and Denver International Airport (DEN) for joining us as event sponsors! We'd love to have your business as a sponsor too! For information, email Susan Kramer at susan@developmentalfx.org or Click here for sponsorship benefits and levels.

DFX is working to create systemic change by establishing a culture of engaged belonging in which children of all abilities and backgrounds will thrive.