What Is the Difference Between Picky Eaters and Problem Eaters?
- Eating is dependent upon environment, nutrition, and development, and is a very complex task of sensory integration, which we so easily take for granted.
- Eating involves sensory integration of tactile textures, visual colors, varying temperatures, gustatory flavors, olfactory smell, sound sensitivity, and oral-motor control. One swallow involves 26 muscles and 6 cranial nerves to coordinate the process.
- Sensory over sensitivity and resultant over responsivity contributes to problems with eating.
- Sensory under sensitivity and resultant unresponsivity contributes to problems with eating.
- Many children are picky eaters, but differentiating picky eaters from problem eaters is important.
- The family-centered SOS (Sequential-Oral- Sensory) approach to feeding was developed by Kay Toomey, Pediatric Psychologist, and addresses problematic feeding behaviors.
- The E.A.T (Eliminate, Add, Try) approach is also recommended for poor eaters.