Every evening, Ayub mother would place his plate on the dining table, hoping for even a small bite. But Ayub, a bright six-year-old with autism, would push it away, refusing to even look at the food. The colors were too bright, the textures too strange, and the smell too strong. What was once a routine family dinner had slowly turned into an emotional struggle for everyone involved.
This is a reality many families face when their children experience sensory challenges around food. For these children, eating is not just about hunger. It is a sensory experience that can feel overwhelming, unfamiliar, and sometimes even frightening. That is where feeding therapy for picky eaters can bring real change.
Why Eating Feels Difficult for Some Children?
Children with autism or sensory processing difficulties often react strongly to the texture, smell, taste, and appearance of food. It is not simply a matter of being stubborn or disobedient. Their sensory systems can feel overloaded, making everyday mealtime situations emotionally and physically uncomfortable. Many parents report that their child will only eat the same three or four foods. Some prefer dry, crunchy items while avoiding wet or mixed dishes altogether. Others may struggle to chew or swallow properly. Over time, this can lead to nutritional gaps, delayed growth, and high levels of stress for the whole family.
What Feeding Therapy Involves?
Feeding therapy is a structured, child-friendly approach led by occupational therapists or speech-language therapists. The goal is not only to increase the variety of foods a child will accept but also to improve the entire mealtime experience. It helps children understand, explore, and eventually feel safe with food. There are specialized programs available for feeding therapy for families in Dubai that are built around sensory integration, motor skills, and behavioral support.
What to Expect in a Therapy Session?
Feeding therapy is gentle, supportive, and often playful. A therapist may begin by letting the child look at or touch different foods, gradually working up to smelling, tasting, and eventually eating them. This process helps children gain confidence at their own pace.
The sessions usually include:
- Play-based exploration of textures and smells
- Muscle exercises for chewing or swallowing
- Step-by-step exposure to new foods
- Coaching for parents to continue the techniques at home
Parents searching for paediatric feeding therapy in Dubai should look for programs that include family involvement and create an emotionally safe environment for their child.
How to Help Your Austistic Child at Home?
Consistency is key when applying feeding therapy at home. Children feel more secure when they know what to expect, especially during mealtimes.
Here are some helpful strategies that you may implement:
- Offer new foods without pressure or bribes
- Use a calm, quiet space for meals
- Stick to a routine to build comfort and confidence
- Celebrate every small victory, even if your child only touches or smells the food
If you are raising a picky eater Dubai setting, remember that change takes time. With patience and the right guidance, progress is absolutely possible.
Why Families in Dubai Trust Hope AMC?
Hope AMC is a trusted choice for families seeking expert-led, compassionate, and personalized feeding therapy. With a deep understanding of sensory challenges and childhood development, our therapists create a safe, encouraging space for children to explore food in ways that feel positive and pressure-free. Whether your child struggles with limited diets, oral-motor delays, or feeding anxiety, our therapy programs are designed to support both progress and peace of mind for your child and your entire family. Want to schedule an appointment? Call us now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
If your child eats only a limited number of foods, refuses entire food groups, or becomes distressed during meals, they may benefit from professional feeding support.
No. Feeding therapy is helpful for children with a variety of needs, including oral motor delays, sensory processing challenges, and anxiety related to eating.
It varies for each child. Some families see improvements within a few months, while others may need longer support depending on the child’s comfort and goals.
Yes. Parental involvement is an essential part of feeding therapy. Therapists work closely with families to help them apply the strategies at home.
