Survival Strategies for the Picky Eater (Ages 10-13)
In this 6 week course, students will learn the science behind picky eating, explore strategies for keeping a calm mouth, and gain confidence exploring new foods.
What's included
6 live meetings
4 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1 hour per week. Practice strategies learned in class and write/draw/verbalize the results of attempts at strategies.Certificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
The class is structured to be supportive and non-judgmental, allowing students to share their experiences and learn from each other. The instructor will be sharing personal and professional experiences to best support each individual learner. Each session will focus on a different aspect of picky eating, from understanding sensory input to developing coping strategies and expanding food exploration. Each week, students will have a simple assignment to practice the learned strategies at home. In this course, students will engage in interactive and hands-on learning, exploring their sensory experiences with food. We will provide a safe space for students be able to explore new foods as when they are ready to do so. No student will be forced to touch eat something before they are ready. Students will be able to learn best if they have at least a minimal interest in expanding their food tolerance, but all students will be able to learn and gain lifelong strategies. The course is appropriate for severely restricted eaters as well as mildly picky eaters interested in expanding their food tolerance. No prior experience or background knowledge is required.
Learning Goals
Understand how sensory input affects food preferences.Identify the reasons behind picky eating.
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Picky Eating: Patterns, Food Jags, and Nutritional Impacts
Explore what creates a picky eater and how picky eating impacts the brain and body 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Sensory Experience of Eating
Students will explore their unique experiences with foods and start to identify characteristics of foods 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Coping with Lesser-Preferred Foods
Strategies for tolerating our not-favorite foods, keeping a calm mouth, and recovering from unexpected 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Sequence of Food Exploration
Students will learn about the hierarchy of food exploration, and learn about being scientific investigators with preferred and non-preferred foods 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
Instructor is a pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in working with neurodivergent children. Accommodations and modifications available as needed for each student.
Parental Guidance
If students would like to explore foods during class, they may need to use utensils to prep the food, and would need any supervision they typically need when eating
Pre-Requisites
Students should have at least a minimal interest in expanding their food tolerance.
Joined August, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Instructor is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience. She teaches professional clinical courses on feeding therapy and teaches caregiver trainings on picky eating. Instructor is a picky eater herself, and has lived experience as well as professional expertise on the matter. Reviews
Live Group Class
$90
for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
4-10 learners per class
