Importance of Therapy
The Complexity of Eating
It is the ONLY human task which requires every one of your organ systems and requires that all those systems work correctly. In addition, every muscle in the body is involved (one swallow for example, takes 26 muscles and six cranial nerves to coordinate). Plus, eating is the only task children do that involve all eight of our sensory systems. Learning, development, nutrition and the environment also have to be integrated in order to make sure a child eats correctly. (Toomey, K. 2010)
The impacts of a Limited Diet and Picky Eating
When your child struggles to eat a well-rounded diet, it can be both frustrating and concerning. As a parent or caregiver, your natural instinct is to nurture your child, and feeding them plays a crucial role in that process. Despite your best efforts, your child may only stick to a limited range of foods, leaving you concerned about their growth, learning, and overall well-being.
The impacts of a limited diet and picky eating can extend beyond the dinner table, affecting physical, social, emotional and psychological well-being. Nutritional deficiencies may arise, potentially hindering growth, development, and immune function. Poor dietary habits can contribute to fatigue, emotional and behavioural issues, and challenges in concentration. Picky eating may also lead to limited social interactions and dental concerns.
The good news is that individuals can learn to expand their food choices and intake. While they may not simply 'grow out' of their picky eating habits, with assistance, they can understand and address the challenges they face with eating. This involves developing the necessary skills to overcome difficulties and addressing the beliefs about themselves and food that develop as they grow older.
Early intervention is crucial as it lays the foundation for lifelong health, fostering optimal development, preventing potential complications, and instilling healthy eating habits that can significantly impact overall well-being.
