FEEDING PROGRAM

We implement intensive feeding programs designed for children with very limited food intake who present with intolerance to a variety of food groups and/or to novel foods. This program is recommended when the child:
  • Refuses to eat
  • Eats only limited foods
  • Exhibits mealtime tantrums
  • Has difficulty swallowing
  • Exhibits “picky” eating habits/food selectivity: only eats certain foods based on texture, color, or type of food.

In order to begin our intensive feeding program, we first have to address any medical limitations that the child may have, such as food allergies, conditions associated with oral-motor difficulties, as well as GI issues. If the child presents with any medical limitations, then the BCBA will recommend that you consult with the child’s pediatrician before we begin our feeding sessions.

Once the family rules out any medical limitations, we conduct an initial feeding assessment with the family in order to identify preferred food items for the child as well as foods that the child refuses to eat. We also determine the feeding routine of the child and decide on food items to be targeted during our feeding sessions.

Our intensive feeding programs are designed using a combination of different behavioral principles, depending on the food refusal history that the child presents with. We often use techniques such as: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, differential reinforcement, non-contingent reinforcement, shaping and desensitization, or a combination of these techniques to increase healthy eating habits.