What do we do when there are potentially more challenges with feeding?
In the eighth episode of Beyond Weight - a NEW series that asks the question “how can we manage health concerns without focusing on weight loss, food restriction, and body shame?” Jill is speaking with Deb Blakley, a nutritionist and mum who is passionate about kids learning to love food from birth and beyond. Deb loves working with children and families who are struggling with fussy eaters; problem feeders; children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Which is what we're talking about today!
In this episode, we discuss:

How Deb started working with very picky eaters

The biggest struggles for all families when it comes to feeding our children

Why teaching kids about nutrition and health is problematic

When a big part of feeding therapy is reminding parents that their child has the ability to learn and grow

Why rigidity helps neurodiverse kids feel safe and preserve energy

How to work with that rigidity at the child’s pace

The importance of a multidisciplinary approach

Helping kids do well away from the table, affects how well they do at the table

Other types of feeding therapies for autism and why they don’t often work: pressure, contextual learning, food agendas

Why focusing on the journey is SO important when progress is slow

The difference between “getting a kid to eat a certain food” and teaching parents how to feed

Cutting out foods for neurodiverse kids: Yay or Nay?

Evaluating whether your child can tolerate restriction

Setting realistic expectations for progress and setting kids up for success

Coping with nutritional worries when you have a very picky/rigid eater

LINKS:
You can find Deb at Kids Dig Food.