Focusing on Function

New research is emerging about neurodiversity-affirming approaches to feeding therapy. Neurodiversity-affirming speech and feeding therapy considers the lived experiences of autistic and ADHD’er’s lives, which I’d argue is a crucial part of evidence-based practice. It’s important that your providers focus on function, respect the child’s bodily autonomy, and understand their sensory needs.

Focusing on function means that if the child isn’t chewing perfectly but can access food for appropriate nutrient intake with their current chew, then we don’t need to push to “perfect” the chew.

Respecting bodily autonomy means - understanding the verbal and non-verbal stress cues a child gives us that demonstrate their discomfort around a particular strategy. We should not be force-feeding, requiring the child to sit in a certain way that does not feel comfortable for them, or removing regulating “distractors” that help them comfortably access a meal.

Understanding their sensory needs and preferences with food - meaning if we see gagging, or food refusal, we honor their experience. We don’t utilize invasive desensitizing strategies that will likely impact their relationship with food.

Providers, be on the lookout for upcoming courses on neuroaffirming feeding therapy.

Questions?

Reach out to me at Stephanie@bitesizedkids.com

-Stephanie