Any parents of kids with oral sensory issues/delayed eating/eating issues?

[TwoBees]

DD isn't progressing as fast as her OT would like in the eating department. She has oral sensory sensitivity, and doesn't liek to try new foods. Sometimes, she won't even try something she knows well and likes! DH and I both work full time so we don't have as much time to work on these issues as we would like (DD is often tired when she comes home from daycare and is in no mood to try something new). Any suggestions as to what we can do? (The OT has given us suggestions, but I am wondering if there is something we haven't tried).

[megs4413]

DD isn't progressing as fast as her OT would like in the eating department. She has oral sensory sensitivity, and doesn't liek to try new foods. Sometimes, she won't even try something she knows well and likes! DH and I both work full time so we don't have as much time to work on these issues as we would like (DD is often tired when she comes home from daycare and is in no mood to try something new). Any suggestions as to what we can do? (The OT has given us suggestions, but I am wondering if there is something we haven't tried).

my DD had this problem as a young toddler. she was in OT for 8 mos. what kind of things are they doing in OT for her? In terms of what we did at home, we used a sensory brush on her skin everyday, we practiced somersaults at home or went on the swings at the park, we did more messy play, and when we gave her something new to eat we did the "touch it, kiss it, lick it" method. This may be all the stuff you're already doing, though, so I'm not sure if it's helpful. We have no trouble with it now.

[TwoBees]

my DD had this problem as a young toddler. she was in OT for 8 mos. what kind of things are they doing in OT for her? In terms of what we did at home, we used a sensory brush on her skin everyday, we practiced somersaults at home or went on the swings at the park, we did more messy play, and when we gave her something new to eat we did the "touch it, kiss it, lick it" method. This may be all the stuff you're already doing, though, so I'm not sure if it's helpful. We have no trouble with it now.


Actually, we aren't doing any of this. What is a sensory brush? And What is the "touch it, kiss it, lick it" method?

[snowbunnies300]

Sensory Brush or the Wilbarger Therapressure Massage Brush can be found through therapy centers, catalogs and on-line. I get the catalog Abilitations or you can go to www.ablilitations.com (1-888-388-3224). These brushes are used to brush the body. Arms, legs, back, feet, hands. I have had both types and prefer the Sensory Brush. The Wilbarger seemed a little stiffer and I just didn't like using it. Also Abliltations has a section dedicated to Sensory Solutions (weighted vests to oral vibrators to tactile hand toys). Many children with sensory issues need losts of vestibular motion (swinging) and/or deep pressure (ask OT to show you how to do deep pressure joint work..can be done on hand, elbow, knee, ankle joints). Many love to jump on mini-tramps. Abilitations is a great resource to see what is out there for theraputic at home options. We have been satisfied with the items we have purchased and will be purchasing more from them in the near future.

Introducing new foods. First they have to touch the food with their finger/hand. For my DS1 this would actually cause him to gag. He has such sensory issues that a new food will cause him to almost throw up just touching the food. Once they can touch the food then they need to touch the food to the lips (kiss the food). Once they can do this without issues then they have to lick the food. Then they need to place the food in their mouth (note do not make them eat the food just put it into their mouth). Finally once they can move the piece of food around in their mouth then either they will on their own eat it or you need to ask them to eat the food.

I would ask OT about brushing. I am a little surprised that they have not brought this method to your attention. This is one therapy that can be done at home and involves the parent. It is easy and cheap plus it really does work.

[happymom]

I would ask OT about brushing. I am a little surprised that they have not brought this method to your attention. This is one therapy that can be done at home and involves the parent. It is easy and cheap plus it really does work.

Is brushing helpful for ORAL sensory issues? I'm not sure that it is, which is probably why the OT hasn't mentioned it.

[MamaKath]

Is brushing helpful for ORAL sensory issues? I'm not sure that it is, which is probably why the OT hasn't mentioned it.
Brushing is useful for most sensory issues. We also did mouth excercise with making faces at each other and movements/stimulation with our fingers both inside and outside of dc mouth. Another thing is to offer different teethers to allow for different oral sensations.

As for food, is there a way you dd specifically likes to take food? For instance if it is pureed and heated, maybe you can try something similar (ie- kid already eats squash, maybe try sweet potatoes or mix a tiny bit in and up the level). We often work with smoothies since I can hide more nutritious things in them and we can adjust to the child's taste. Also soup has worked wonders for us as long as it is a smooth consistency.


What is the "touch it, kiss it, lick it" method?
You work to get them willing to touch a new food( texture in the hand), then to kiss it (texture on the lips), taste (texture/flavor in mouth). For many kids you have to repeat this over and over before they will willing eat a specific food, but if you persevere it typically works.

[HIU8]

We use the touch it, lick it, kiss it method and so does DS's school. DS is a PICKY eater and has issues with many foods. He has just started trying new things and actually eating them. If it is something he is unsure about he will smell it and lick it and possibly suck on it and then spit it out (oranges, grapes and chocolate for example). Our house rule is that he at least try somethig and if he does not like it I will make him something else. I will not make him something different if he refuses to try what we are having. So far this has worked. DS's issues are more with texture and smell right now.

We also do a lot of heavy work such as trampoline jumping (the individual fitness trampoline) and we crush DS between couch cushions (lower body, not his face) and we do tug of war etc...(all suggestions from the OT of things to do at home).

[megs4413]

Is brushing helpful for ORAL sensory issues? I'm not sure that it is, which is probably why the OT hasn't mentioned it.

initially, I questioned the OT on this, because it seemed like we spent so much time in therapy working on OTHER sensory experiences...i thought, "how can THIS be addressing her oral sensitivities?" but she explained that the theory is that by desensitizing them in other sensory areas, you also achieve desensitization in the target area. i'm explaining this poorly, but it really, truly worked for us. i wouldn't even describe DD as a picky eater now.

i forgot about the joint pressure...we did that, too.

[Elilly]

We did brushing, the "touch it, kiss it, lick it" (which my husband found very amusing!), oral motor stimulation with vibrating toys and or toothbrushes, other sensory activities such as jumping on the trampoline, rough-n-tumble play etc. What worked? Who knows, we did everything we could. But, DS, would wouldn't even accept a stage one baby food at 8 months is now eating everything under the sun. Hugs. I know it's difficult and frustrating for you.

[TwoBees]

Can all of these methods be used for a 1-year-old (adjusted age of 9 months)? I can't see how I am going to get DD to even touch the food as she doesn't yet understand "DD, this is a banana. Just try to touch it."

[jenfromnj]

Just wanted to chime in--DS had major issues with eating after being very sick with an intestinal obstruction at around 8 months. We actually ended up going to a special feeding hospital and working intensively with an MD and a SLP, which helped tremendously. If there's something like this (http://www.feedingcenter.org) in your area, I'd definitely recommend looking into it if possible.

ETA: With DS, consistency in his feeding routine was a big key to success--could you work with your DCP to use whatever techniques you are using at home?

[snowbunnies300]

I had to do the "touch it, kiss it and lick it" with all three of my non-verbal ASD kids. All were younger than 1yr. For smaller children you need to take their hand and do hand over hand applications. So place a banana on a plate. Place her in a seat and help her touch the banana. There may very well be protesting coming from your child as they do not want to touch the food due to the sensory issues. You just keep having her touch the food. Start slow. Maybe tell her before you start she has to touch the banana 2 times and then all done. Then follow through. Your child may cry, scream or throw up. This isn't an easy road. The more you can desensatize your child the better. Once they can touch the food you then move on to helping them touch the food to their mouth. I still do this with my 7 yr old. I actually have the "offensive" food on a spoon and bring it to his mouth. He now knows that he only needs to touch it to his mouth and will "kiss" the food.
Right now you may only see issues with foods. Keep an eye open to see if there are any other sensory issues. Ask your OT for recommendations on books you can read. I know how hard this road is to travel. Keep your patience while working with your child. If they can sense that you are stressed it just adds to the struggle. Each small step is one step closer to reaching sucess!! :hug:

[daisymommy]

My DS #1 has sensory issues and is the worst eater in the world. I have taken him to every specialist that our insurance covers--nutritionist, pediatric developmental specialist, and child psychologist. None of them know what to do with him. And I'm kind of like DUH--he needs an O.T and a feeding therapist. But guess what, our insurance doesn't pay for that. And around here, it's $150 per session, 2x a week. There is just no way we can do that out of pocket.

I'm dying inside here a little, reading these methods that I'm sure would help my son, but we have never used. It makes me wonder who he could be and how much better he could be doing if he had this therapy when he was little. Now I wonder if it is already too late. :(

Does anyone know if there are books or manuals out there for parents to learn these techniques at home? I've tried finding the information, but have come up empty handed.

Thanks.

[Elilly]

It's never too late to do therapy! We used an OT assistant once a week for $60/hr. That way it was much more manageable. We also have a group in indy that does feeding therapy with small groups of kiddos to get some positive peer pressure!

[snowbunnies300]

If your insurance will not pay for a certain type of therapy please call around to all the therapy centers in your area (including colleges). The one we attend has a different pay scale for those who private pay. It is significantly lower as they do not have to file insurance nor write reports. Some places also let you pre-pay and they are even cheaper. Our sessions are about $130 per hour (charged to insurance). I understand how $150 a week is expensive if you are paying out of pocket. See if they will charge less for pre-pay. Also discuss with them that you cannot afford their services but would like to have say twice a month sessions. Ask if you can sit in on the sessions and then make certain they show you what you should do at home to supplement the therapy. There are so many theraputic techniques that can be done at home without expensive or fancy equipment. Most early intervention programs for infants and children up to age 3 are done in the home and the therapists bring some theraputic aides into the home.

I took my handy Abilitations catalog and saw that they have a book on eating. "Just Take a Bite" is $24.00 (item # 9-028990-965). "If you have a child who refuses to eat certain foods Just Take a Bite is a wonderful source of effective solutions. It helps professionals and parents working with children who have food aversions and eating challenges and clearly explains: critera of a resistant eater, contributing factors, postivie mealtime environments, oral-motor activities, sensory lession plans, typical development. This book gives you clear and concise strategies that work. By Lori Ernsperger and Tania Stegen-Hanson." Also in Ablilitations there is a DVD (item # 9-032713-965) "Oral-Motor Exercises in Action. This 10 min DVDE features children demonstrating 12 common oral-motor exercises with a target-phoneme story. The upbeat music, quick editing, and fresh faces have high-interest appeal to preschool and school-aged children." I personally have not used either of the two above mentioned items. Also I have found that the more my children used "chewy" toys the better their oral motor. Chewy Tubes (several item numbers) have different shapes and textures. My kids are always using them. DS2 loves Chewlery - primarily the bracelet.

There are certainly other books out there. If I have time I will try to post back some more suggestions.

[daisymommy]

A HUGE thank-you Snowbunnies! I'll have to buy that book. Please keep the suggestions coming! I'll have to call the feeding center near me and talk to them.

BTW...this is for my 8 year old DS.

[blondflava]

Just wanted to chime in--DS had major issues with eating after being very sick with an intestinal obstruction at around 8 months. We actually ended up going to a special feeding hospital and working intensively with an MD and a SLP, which helped tremendously. If there's something like this (http://www.feedingcenter.org) in your area, I'd definitely recommend looking into it if possible.

ETA: With DS, consistency in his feeding routine was a big key to success--could you work with your DCP to use whatever techniques you are using at home?

Did you use the services of the St Joseph's Jen? I'm asking because we've been going there with Tatyana for the past 6 months but I haven't seen much improvement yet. In our situation, as DD is underweight, we're feeding her oatmeal with Pediasure and fattening stuff (like pureed avocados, butter, banana etc) in front of TV (I know, sounds like FUN) but it's the only thing that works and helps her gain... No trying or challenging stuff until she gets closer to the weight chart... On OT either..

[blondflava]

DD isn't progressing as fast as her OT would like in the eating department. She has oral sensory sensitivity, and doesn't liek to try new foods. Sometimes, she won't even try something she knows well and likes! DH and I both work full time so we don't have as much time to work on these issues as we would like (DD is often tired when she comes home from daycare and is in no mood to try something new). Any suggestions as to what we can do? (The OT has given us suggestions, but I am wondering if there is something we haven't tried).

I'm here too. Long story short, DD was preemie as well, not as early as your DD - 2 months early, but had some issues in the NICU (intestinal problems) and feedng issues from the beginning. Then reflux. Bottle aversion. Issues with textures, chunks, hypersensitive gag reflex. She's 1.5 now and still struggling with trying new things. She wants to try though (I have to hide my lunch, she wants to try but will gag etc). We give her soft pieces that melt easily - like fish or very soft chicken or cheese. She also has very small appetite is on a oatmeal 'schedule' 4 x daily, with Gerber puffs, crackers, vanilla wafers throughout a day to stimulate her chewing a little. No OT here htough... But we're seeing Feeding Specialists every few weeks.