Feeding & Mealtime Interventions
Sensory-Based Feeding & Mealtime Interventions for Children
Infant and Early Childhood Conference
May 4th, 1:45-4:00
Learning Objectives
Conference attendees will:
1. Understand the populations of children who experience feeding challenges
2. Appreciate the family-centered nature of feeding issues
3. Identify 1 common feeding myth
4. Participate in sensory-based feeding activities
5. Demonstrate 3 ways to use oral-motor supplies
Agenda
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
Overview of Pediatric Feeding Difficulties
a. Prevalence & Nature of Feeding Problems
b. Psychosocial Issues
c. Sensory Issues
Parent Education
a. 10 Feeding Myths
Feeding Group
a. Structure
b. Environment
c. Activities
Sensory-Based Activities
a. Preparatory Activities
b. Food Activity Centers (craft, sensory bin, snack)
Brainstorming Activity
a. Designing Activities for Feeding Groups
Questions
Speaker: Jennifer Nash, MOT, OTR/L: nashjenn@uw.edu
Organizations: University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Hospital
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Feeding & Mealtime Interventions
Sensory-Based Feeding & Mealtime Intervention Worksheet
Pat Pat Pat
Give your partner verbal feedback on what they did well and what they could do
differently.
Tooth-brushing
Give your partner verbal feedback on what they did well and what they could do
differently.
Activity Centers
For each activity center, write down three alternative foods that could be used as
substitutes.
Craft
Sensory Bin
Snack
1. ______________
1. ______________
1. ______________
2. ______________
2. ______________
2. ______________
3. ______________
3. ______________
3. ______________
Design Group Activities
Based on your theme (pick one), create an activity (using only food items) for each of the
following activity centers.
Theme options: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter
Art Project
Activity ___________________________________________________________
Food Items_________________________________________________________
Sensory Bin
Activity ___________________________________________________________
Food Items_________________________________________________________
Snack
Activity ___________________________________________________________
Food Items_________________________________________________________
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Feeding & Mealtime Interventions
References
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2008). Occupational therapy practice
framework: Domain and process (2nd ed.). American Journal of Occupational
Therapy, 62, 625–683.
American Occupational Therapy Association (2007). Specialized Knowledge and Skills
in Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing for Occupational Therapy Practice. American
Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(6), 686-700.
Field, D., Garland, M., & Williams, K. (2003). Correlates of Specific Childhood Feeding
Problems. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 39, 299-304.
Fischer, E. & Silverman, A. (2007). Behavioral Conceptualizaiton, Assessment, and
Treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders. Seminars In Speech and Language,
23(3), 223-231.
Laud, R.B., Girolami, P.A., Boscoe, J.H., & Gulotta, C.S. (2009). Treatment Outcomes
for Severe Feeding Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Behavior Modification, 33(5), 520-536.
Silverman, A.H. (2010). Interdisciplinary Care for Feeding Problems in Children.
Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 25(2), 160-165.
Toomey, K.A. (2003). When Children Won’t Eat: The SOS Approach to Feeding.
Presentation in Seattle, Washington.
Tucker, M.T., & Neifert, M. (2008). Mealtime Stories: A Guide for Feeding Therapists.
Seattle: Mealtime Stories, LLC.
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