Sensory and Eating Challenges

Does your child frequently reject food or flat-out refuse to eat when you bring them a particular meal? Or does your child have a complete meltdown when you put their sock on wrong or forget to cut out a tag?

Hold on! It might not be what you think. It's easy to conclude that when your child rejects a particular food, activity, or piece of clothing they are being dramatic. But it’s important to understand this is rarely the case and there is usually something deeper going on causing the rejection behavior.

Does this sound like your child? Whether it’s a possible eating disorder or sensory sensitivity, our therapists are here to help!

What is a sensory processing disorder?

Also known as SPD, a sensory processing disorder is a neurological disorder that describes a range of challenges an individual faces when their brain and body have difficulty receiving and sending messages to and from the environment through their 5 senses. In other words, a child’s sensory system can be “off” causing them great internal discomfort that frequently results in challenging behaviors such as protests and meltdowns.

Our therapists are trained to look at a child’s sensory system to make sure everything is running smoothly and not causing any disruptions to the child’s functioning. We take a close look at the:

  1. Visual System (sight) 

  2. Olfactory System (smell) 

  3. Auditory System (hearing) 

  4. Tactile System (touch) 

  5. Gustatory System (taste) 

  6. Vestibular System (movement and balance) 

  7. Proprioception System (body awareness/position)

    8.  

When one of these systems is either UNDER or OVER reactive, it can greatly disrupt a child’s development, sense of self, and ability to connect and communicate with others. Floor time Play therapy is an incredible tool we use to help children overcome and learn to work with their unique sensory system. 

Symptoms Of Sensory Challenges

The symptoms of sensory challenges are pretty easy to detect, but are oftentimes overlooked. Some of the symptoms/behaviors include:

  • Refusal to eat certain types of food 

  • Extreme sensitivity to color (insisting on a particular cup, toy, etc..) 

  • Increased fussiness, especially during times of transitions

  • Startle response to unexpected noises

  • Wearing the same article of clothing over and over 

  • Has a particularly difficult time sharing with others

  • Has a difficult time with unexpected plans, visitors, or changes in their life

Eating Disorders in Children and Teenagers

What is an eating disorder? A simple way to describe an eating disorder is a pattern of behavior with food that disrupts one’s physical and mental health. When our therapists are determining if an eating disorder is present they are asking questions such as, is the child being negatively impacted on a daily basis? Are the behaviors having a negative effect on their everyday functioning? (The child’s hobbies, relationships, learning, mood, etc.?)

Food is SUCH an important part of life! Especially a child’s life. Food is essential for growth, development, hormones, mood, sleep, etc. When there is a persistent disturbance with food it can be scary because it typically has a negative domino effect on a child’s life and future.

“How can my child have an eating disorder? She’s so young!” This is something we hear frequently and it’s important to know eating disorders are commonly tied to the sensory system. Meaning, your child may have signs of an eating disorder but the root cause may be related to an unresolved sensory processing challenge. Understanding the difference between the two is key in creating an appropriate treatment plan. 

Symptoms of an Eating Disorder

There are many different kinds of eating disorders and not everyone who has eating challenges has a disorder! A licensed mental health professional is trained to examine the symptoms and behaviors of a child in order to identify if a pattern of behavior is considered a disorder. Signs and symptoms can vary but typically include: 

  • An obsession with weight (weight loss, charting weight, weight anxiety, etc..) 

  • Avoiding eating in the presence of others, eating alone 

  • Hiding or hoarding food 

  • An inability to stop eating despite feeling full 

  • Avoiding entire food groups (unrelated to food allergies) 

  • Frequent body scanning (comparing body sizes of others in person or online) 

  • Eating excessively when stressed or bored

Treatment For Sensory and Eating Challenges

Sensory and eating challenges are tough and can be difficult to deal with as a parent because they impact daily life. From running late because your toddler refuses to be buckled in their car seat to never choosing the “right” outfit for your child in the morning, it’s not easy!

We love to share that there is hope. Our clinicians have helped many families overcome exhausting power struggles so families can return to a peaceful home life. The key to change is not “fixing” a child or their behavior. Nothing is wrong with your child! Instead, it’s about unlocking a child’s potential while having a clear understanding of their individual differences and what they need to thrive in all environments and relationships.  

Ready To Begin Your Journey?

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