8 Things You Didn’t Know About Picky Eating

Picky eating, a common concern among parents, caregivers, and even adults themselves, is truly a complex concern. It isn’t a “phase” or a “preference”. While we just recently talked more specifically about Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), I wanted to delve into picky eating overall just a little more. Continue reading for 8 things about picky eating that you may not have known.

8 Things You Didn’t Know About Picky Eating

1. Speech Language Pathologists are Feeding Specialists Too

Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) can address a variety of concerns. While “speech” and “language” needs may seem obvious, SLPs are also trained to address disorders of feeding and swallowing, voice, cognition, fluency, and more. SLPs understand the intricate connection between oral motor skills, sensory sensitivities, and mealtime behaviors, making us feeding experts.
Read more about the SLPs’ Scope of Practice and Service Delivery Areas on the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association website.

2. Sensory Sensitivities Play a Key Role

Picky eating often stems from sensory sensitivities, where the individual may have heightened responses to certain textures, tastes, smells, or even visual aspects of food. These sensitivities can significantly impact their willingness to try new foods.

3. It’s Not Just a “Phase”

Contrary to popular belief, picky eating is not always a passing phase. If you ask any parent, they will likely tell you they’ve gone through the “picky eating” stage with their child (it’s a part of typical development!). But for some children, picky eating persists as they get older and requires targeted and specialized intervention and support.

4. There Are Many Different Therapy Techniques to Address Feeding Concerns

Feeding therapy is NOT one size fits all! SLPs will use a variety of therapy techniques to address feeding concerns. Some of these include:

• exposure therapy
• food chaining
• hypnosis
• behavioral strategies
• oral motor support
• calming strategies, and
• family-based treatment

There are even more strategies than those listed above, but it’s important to find an SLP who is willing to see what works best for your child, which may include a mixture of the techniques above. And sometimes, they may pivot to a new strategy based on what you or your child is working on and therapy progression.

5. Your Mealtime Environment Can Affect Eating Habits

Creating a positive mealtime environment is crucial for promoting healthy eating habits. Fostering a relaxed atmosphere and offering foods in a low-pressure manner can help the individual develop a positive association with food.

6. Early Intervention Is So Important!

Addressing feeding difficulties early on is crucial. Since feeding difficulties can impact growth and development, as well as overall quality of life, early intervention can help minimize the impact of the feeding disorder. Early intervention can also help ensure the feeding difficulty doesn’t become more complex as the individual grows older.

7. It Can Be Something More Than Picky Eating

While picky eating is common, it’s essential to identify if there is a medical or underlying factor causing the individual to demonstrate picky eating characteristics, such as reflux, chronic health programs, or Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Addressing these medical and underlying factors is critical for effective intervention.

8. It Can Cause Not Only Nutritional Deficits, But Social and Family Distress as Well

Picky eating can have far-reaching effects beyond nutritional deficits. It can strain family relationships, lead to social isolation, and impact overall quality of life.

Picky eating is a complex issue that requires an individualized approach. SLPs play a vital role in supporting individuals and families on their journey towards healthier eating habits. If you or someone you know is struggling with picky eating, don’t hesitate to seek help from a qualified professional.

Kelly is a Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in providing therapy and coaching from children to teens and young adults with feeding challenges. She prides herself on individualizing therapy sessions so that you meet your goals, whether that’s expanding your food repertoire, ordering something off a restaurant’s menu, or just appreciating your food preferences so that you can be present at social events. Contact Kelly at Food 4 Thought Therapy to get your questions answered and to take the first step towards your journey, You can contact Kelly and Food 4 Thought Therapy at kelly@food4thoughttherapy.com or visit https://food4thoughttherapy.com/contact/ to book your free consultation. Together, we can work towards fostering positive mealtime experiences and promoting overall well-being.

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