Unlocking the Secrets of Sensory Integration

What is Sensory Integration?

In simple terms, sensory integration is how the brain processes and makes sense of the sensory information it gets from the world around us. For kids with feeding challenges, this means how they respond to the feel, taste, and smell of food can be a big deal. If your child seems overly sensitive or distressed about certain foods, it might be because their sensory system is having a hard time handling those experiences (Miller & McIntosh, 2016).

How Sensory Issues Affect Eating

You might notice some of these signs if your child is having trouble with feeding due to sensory integration issues:

• Texture Sensitivity: Does your child refuse foods with certain textures, like anything crunchy or slimy? This can make mealtimes really tricky if they only want a handful of familiar foods (Pfeiffer et al., 2018).
• Taste Aversion: Some kids react strongly to new or strong flavors. If your child turns up their nose at anything new, it might be due to taste aversion (Harris, 2019).
• Smell Sensitivity: Unpleasant or strong smells can make eating certain foods a no-go for some kids (Dunn, 2007).
• Oral Motor Issues: Problems with chewing or swallowing can also play a big role in feeding challenges (Brinton, 2015).

How Sensory Integration Therapy Can Help

So, how can we help? At Miller Feeding Solutions, we use a variety of techniques to address sensory issues and make mealtimes more enjoyable for your child:

• Exploring Sensory Experiences: We start by gently introducing your child to different textures, smells, and tastes in a way that feels safe and manageable. This helps them get more comfortable with a variety of sensory experiences, which can reduce their aversions to new foods (Cohen, 2017).
• Gradual Desensitization: We use play and other fun activities to slowly help your child get used to foods or textures they find uncomfortable. This approach can make trying new foods less overwhelming (Mailloux et al., 2011).
• Improving Oral Motor Skills: If chewing or swallowing is a challenge, we work on exercises to strengthen these skills. Better oral motor skills can make it easier for your child to handle a wider range of foods (Arvedson, 2013).
• Creating Positive Mealtime Experiences: We focus on making mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free. By incorporating sensory-friendly practices and fun activities, we help your child develop a positive attitude towards eating (Gore, 2014).
• Supporting Families: We know that managing sensory issues at home can be tough. We provide practical tips and support for creating a supportive mealtime environment and incorporating sensory integration activities into daily routines (Case-Smith, 2015).

Understanding and addressing sensory integration can make a huge difference in your child’s feeding journey. If you think sensory issues might be affecting your child’s eating, we’re here to help. At Miller Feeding Solutions, we offer tailored therapy to meet your child’s unique needs and make mealtimes a more positive experience.

Contact us today to learn more about how sensory integration therapy can help your child thrive. We’re excited to support your family on this journey!

References:

• Arvedson, J. C. (2013). Assessment and treatment of feeding and swallowing disorders in infants and children. Routledge.
• Brinton, B. (2015). Oral motor assessment and treatment: Ages and stages. Therapy Skill Builders.
• Case-Smith, J. (2015). Occupational therapy for children and adolescents. Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Cohen, J. (2017). Sensory integration and the child: Understanding hidden sensory challenges. Western Psychological Services.
• Dunn, W. (2007). The sensory profile: User’s manual. Pearson.
• Gore, R. (2014). Creating positive mealtime experiences for children with sensory processing disorders. Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing.
• Harris, P. (2019). Understanding taste aversion in pediatric feeding therapy. Pediatric Nutrition Practice.
• Mailloux, Z., et al. (2011). Effectiveness of sensory integration interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
• Miller, A. & McIntosh, D. (2016). Sensory integration: Theory and practice. Ayres Sensory Integration.