Meal Time with Sensory Seekers and Avoiders

Finding nutritious food that your children will actually enjoy can be a challenge, especially when dealing with sensory seekers or avoiders. How many times have you packed a lunch for your child, only to discover it went untouched, or prepared a healthy meal, only to have them ask for a snack instead? This scenario can leave parents and caregivers feeling exhausted.

Everyone has certain textures and flavors they dislike, which is perfectly normal. However, when these dislikes hinder a child’s ability to get the nutrition they need, it becomes a concern. Here are some tips and tricks to help caregivers alleviate sensory discomforts while encouraging healthy eating.

Keep an eye on your child when they eat, what do they go for first? Is it something crunchy, soft, bland or heavily seasoned? Use your findings to introduce similar foods or change foods to meet your child’s preferences. If your child prefers crunchy foods, you could try to introduce more vegetables or double breading and baking chicken strips to make them extra crunchy. If your child prefers bland foods, you could try whole grain bread and noodles, or nuts and mild cheese.

For sensory seekers, include a new food item on their plate, even if it’s something they usually avoid. While they may resist trying new foods at home, they might be more open to them in different environments, like school, especially when caregivers are not around.

For sensory avoiders, simplicity is key. Fewer options can reduce anxiety around mealtime. Presenting items that share the same color palette and limiting the number of choices can be helpful. A peanut butter sandwich, apple slices, and a string cheese stick may be just enough.

It may also help to add a comfort food if needed to their plate in small quantities to try help regulate themselves during meals.

Other things to consider with a sensory seeking child.

For a child who is sensory seeking, it may be a struggle just to sit down and eat. They may have a need to get up and move, prioritizing that over eating. It could benefit the child to expel some of that energy prior to eating to get that sensory need met. If in school, lunch time in the cafeteria can launch your child into sensory overload; there are lots of smells, lots of people, lots of movement and lots of talking. Being in sensory overload can be exhausting under the best circumstances, but having the addition of being hungry into the mix; it can feel darn near impossible.

If your child frequently struggles with sensory overload or has difficulty sitting down to eat, consult with your pediatrician. They may recommend an Occupational Therapist to address your child’s sensory needs.