For children with sensory processing differences, mealtimes can be a challenging experience. Textures, smells, and even the visual presentation of food can trigger overwhelm or avoidance. But fear not, parents and caregivers! With a little understanding and creativity, you can create a menu that caters to sensory preferences and nourishes both bodies and minds.
Understanding Sensory Sensitivities:
Children with sensory processing disorders (SPD) may be:
- Hypersensitive: Easily bothered by strong tastes, textures, or smells. Foods like spicy sauces, crunchy vegetables, or citrus fruits might be unappealing.
- Hyposensitive: Craving intense sensory experiences. They might seek out salty, sour, or crunchy foods, or even chew on non-food items.
- Â Seeking specific sensory input: Drawn to certain textures, tastes, or smells. Their preferences might be unpredictable and change over time.
Catering to Different Needs:
Here are some sensory-friendly food ideas categorized by common preferences:
For Hypersensitive Individuals:
- Smooth and Soft Textures: Mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, cooked vegetables, soft fruits (bananas, melons)
- Mild Flavors: Plain chicken, pasta with cheese sauce, scrambled eggs, mild fruits (apples, grapes)
- Bland Scents: Cooked rice, oatmeal, crackers, bread
For Hypersensitive Individuals:
- Crunchy Textures: Raw vegetables, toasted nuts, crackers, granola, popcorn
- Strong Flavors: Spicy sauces, pickles, olives, citrus fruits, cheeses
- Bold Scents: Garlic, onions, herbs, spices
For Seekers of Specific Input:
- Chewy Textures: Chewy granola bars, dried fruit, chewy bread, beef jerky
- Sour Tastes: Yogurt with lemon zest, pickles, vinegar-based salad dressings
- Strong Smells: Roasted garlic, herbs like mint or basil, spices like cinnamon or cumin
Remember:
- Individualized approach: Every child is unique, so experiment and observe their reactions to different foods.
- Start small: Introduce new foods slowly and pair them with familiar favorites.
- Presentation matters: Make food visually appealing with fun shapes, colors, and plating techniques.
- Positive reinforcement: Celebrate successes and focus on making mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free.
Additional Tips:
- Sensory breaks: Offer calming activities before or after meals if needed.
- Involve the child: Let them participate in meal planning and preparation.
- Seek professional guidance: An occupational therapist can provide personalized strategies and recommendations.
How Dr. Sumeet Dhawan Can Help:
- For clinic timings and adress Contact Us
- For online consult, Online neurology consult
Additional Reading links
- “Understanding Sensory Processing Disorders in Children” – WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/children/sensory-processing-disorder#1
- “The Impact of Sensory Processing Disorders on Eating Behaviors” – Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org/article/the-impact-of-sensory-processing-disorders-on-eating-behaviors/
- “Creating a Sensory-Friendly Kitchen: Tips for Parents” – Understood.org: https://www.understood.org/articles/en/creating-a-sensory-friendly-kitchen-tips-for-parents
- “Sensory-Friendly Foods for Autism Spectrum Disorders” – Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-friendly-foods-autism-spectrum-disorders
- “Strategies for Picky Eaters with Sensory Sensitivities” – The Hanen Centre: https://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Articles/Strategies-for-Picky-Eaters-with-Sensory-Sensitivit.aspx
- “How to Make Mealtimes Less Stressful for Children with Sensory Processing Issues” – Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org/article/how-to-make-mealtimes-less-stressful-for-children-with-sensory-processing-issues/
- “Sensory-Friendly Mealtime Strategies” – Star Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder: https://www.spdstar.org/basic/sensory-friendly-mealtime-strategies
- “Cooking with Kids: 5 Sensory-Friendly Recipes” – Verywell Family: https://www.verywellfamily.com/sensory-friendly-recipes-4799823
- “How to Encourage a Child with Autism to Eat Different Foods” – The Autism Site: https://blog.theautismsite.greatergood.com/eating-strategies/
- “Sensory-Friendly Snacks and Meal Ideas for Kids” – North Shore Pediatric Therapy: https://nspt4kids.com/parenting/sensory-friendly-snacks-and-meal-ideas-for-kids/