Eating is one of the most complex things little bodies do. When it's hard, pressure rarely helps — a responsive, child-led approach does.
When eating is hard
Feeding difficulties can include selective or “picky” eating, sensory aversions, difficulty moving onto new textures, real mealtime stress, or oral-motor and swallowing (dysphagia) difficulties. Some children eat a very limited range of foods and find new ones genuinely distressing.
Signs you might notice
- A very small range of accepted foods
- Gagging or distress with certain textures
- Refusing entire food groups
- Long, stressful or tearful mealtimes
- Coughing, choking or wet voice when eating or drinking
- Worries about weight or growth
How we help
We carefully assess oral skills, sensory factors and the mealtime dynamic, then use responsive, low-pressure strategies that build positive experiences with food. We collaborate with your GP, paediatrician, OT and dietitian, and use the IDDSI framework for safe textures where needed.
Approaches we draw on
We draw on responsive feeding therapy, sensory and steps-to-eating approaches (SOS-informed), oral-motor support, the IDDSI framework, and Ellyn Satter's division of responsibility.
Common questions
Is my child just being fussy?
Sometimes fussiness is a normal phase. But when the range of foods is very narrow, mealtimes are highly stressful, or there are physical signs, there's often more going on — and support can really help.
Should I make my child finish their plate?
We don't recommend it. A helpful principle is the “division of responsibility”: you decide what, when and where; your child decides whether and how much. It lowers pressure and, over time, builds more adventurous eating.
When should I seek help for feeding?
If your child is losing weight, regularly gagging or choking, dropping foods they used to eat, or mealtimes are causing real distress, it's worth reaching out sooner rather than later.
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Let's help your child be heard
Send a referral in a couple of minutes — families and professionals are both welcome. We'll be in touch within 24–48 hours.