10 Dec 2019 
“My child is a picky eater, should I be worried?” Many children are picky eaters and will expand their diets as they grow and develop. However, the real concern is children who are not just picky eaters but those who are problem feeders. Current research shows that most problem feeders have underlying deficits including motor- based skill deficits, sensory processing based feeding aversions, and will not simply outgrow being a problem feeder. These children are at significant risk for growth and nutritional deficits. A vast majority of children with autism spectrum disorders are problem feeders.
Signs of Problem Feeders include:
The Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding is designed to assess and address all of the factors involved in feeding difficulties. Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists trained in the SOS approach to feeding are trained to evaluate and treat postural control needs, oral motor deficits, fine motor deficits, and sensory based aversions as they relate to feeding delays. This therapy is child centered and play based using food as the main treatment tools. Sessions are fun, sensory filled, and engaging for children as they learn the many steps to becoming a successful eater! Children engage at their own pace, are never force fed, and families are taught how to support them during meals at home.
The TES Ohio team is very lucky to have highly skilled SOS trained occupational therapists at both our Akron and Columbus locations.
In today’s digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our children’s lives. While it offers numerous opportunities for learning, connecting, and creativity, it also brings with it the unfortunate reality of online bullying. As parents, we must recognize the signs of online bullying and take proactive steps to address it. Personally, having […]
Introduction Does your child ever have difficulty listening to you and following instructions? You may find this especially difficult around the holidays, right after they get home from school, or during times that your child is out of their typical routine. As a parent or caregiver, you may find yourself often repeating instructions or raising […]
Does your child repeat scripts from a movie or a TV show? Does your child repeat long phrases frequently but have trouble communicating using single words? Your child might be a gestalt language processor. This means your child learns language differently than others learn. While learning and developing language, every child is different with respect […]
When it comes to giving a toy we have a lot of questions: Will it be beneficial to my kids? Will it promote positive values? Will it improve their learning and developmental ability? Depending on their age some toys are more adapted to their growth. The skills that a toy can teach are infinite and […]
When shopping for toys for your little one, it’s important to keep gross motor skill development in mind. Gross motor skills require whole-body movement and involve the large, core-stabilizing muscles of the body to perform everyday functions, such as walking, running, and sitting upright. Gross motor skills include hand-eye coordination skills such as ball skills […]
The 2023 holiday season is already upon us! As an Occupational Therapist (OT) working in both clinical and community settings, a big part of my job is meeting with parents to help them learn how to play with their children in a way that furthers their development by building foundational learning and motor skills. Parents […]
Halloween is a fun-filled time of year universally loved by kids across America. The costumes, candy, and late-night shenanigans allow kids to create happy and fun-filled memories – but it’s not necessarily like that for everyone. The eerie lights of Jack-o-Lanterns, spooky sounds of haunted houses, itchy costumes, and hard-to-breathe-in plastic masks can be hard […]
Celebrating NICU Awareness Month September is NICU Awareness Month. It’s a time to honor families and health professionals who are part of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where premature babies (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or sick newborns are cared for. Many of the babies we see for services had a NICU stay. […]
When it comes to summer vacation, many parents need help keeping their kids occupied, entertained, and structured. Finding a balance between letting them enjoy their 3-month break while ensuring they don’t completely spend it on the couch is sometimes easier said than done. If your child has sensory processing differences, such as autism, finding activities […]
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety symptoms can look very similar and are difficult for even the most seasoned professionals to differentiate. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest that if you are diagnosed with ADHD, you may be at a higher risk of also exhibiting anxiety symptoms. Both can have a profound impact on […]
When you think about children with motor disabilities, what comes to mind? Do you imagine a child in a wheelchair who is unable to walk or move around on their own? You are not alone if this is your image of a child with motor disabilities. However, the development of DMI therapy is disrupting this […]
Hypotonia, also known as floppy infant syndrome or floppy baby syndrome, is a condition characterized by low muscle tone and muscle strength. Although it’s the most commonly occurring condition that impacts an infant’s motor skills, it’s not completely understood. Seeing your baby struggle to sit upright on their own can be distressing for any parent. […]
