Gentle, evidence-informed support for children who struggle with eating

• Is every mealtime becoming a battle?

• Does your child eat only a handful of foods, refuse entire food groups, gag on certain textures?

• Become distressed when something new is placed on their plate?

At Body & Brain Centre, we understand that feeding difficulties are rarely “just fussy eating.” Every child has their own reasons for finding eating challenging, and understanding the why is the first step towards creating positive change.

Our feeding therapy service provides compassionate, family-centred support for babies, children and teenagers (0–18 years) experiencing feeding and eating difficulties. We work alongside families to reduce stress around mealtimes, expand food acceptance, support nutritional intake, and help children develop a healthier relationship with food.

What is Feeding Therapy?

Feeding therapy is a specialised approach that helps children who experience challenges with eating, drinking or participating in family mealtimes.

Rather than forcing children to eat more foods, feeding therapy aims to understand the underlying reasons behind their eating behaviours. This may include sensory processing differences, oral motor skills, medical history, previous feeding experiences, anxiety, neurodevelopmental differences or nutritional factors.

Therapy is gentle, child-led and evidence-informed, recognising that lasting progress occurs when children feel safe, respected and supported.

Every child progresses at their own pace, and success often comes through many small, meaningful steps rather than rapid changes.

Who Can Benefit from Feeding Therapy?

Your child may benefit from feeding therapy if they:

• Eats fewer than approximately 20–30 foods

• Frequently refuses new foods

• Has an extremely limited diet

• Eats different meals from the rest of the family

• Becomes upset or anxious during mealtimes

• Gags, coughs or vomits with certain foods

• Avoids particular textures, temperatures or food groups

• Finds chewing or swallowing difficult

• Takes a very long time to finish meals

• Has poor appetite or little interest in eating

• Has difficulty transitioning from purees to textured foods

• Relies heavily on milk or nutritional supplements

• Experiences growth or nutrition concerns

• Has feeding challenges associated with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, developmental delay or medical conditions.

Some children appear healthy but have significant anxiety around food. Others may have adequate nutrition but experience overwhelming stress at every meal. Both deserve support.

Common Feeding Challenges We Support

Our feeding therapist works with children experiencing:

Selective or “Fussy” Eating

Many children go through phases of fussy eating. However, when eating becomes increasingly restrictive, causes family stress, or impacts nutrition, additional support may be beneficial.

Sensory Food Aversions

Some children are highly sensitive to food textures, smells, temperatures, colours or appearance. Certain foods may feel overwhelming rather than simply disliked.

Difficulty Trying New Foods

Fear of unfamiliar foods (food neophobia) can make expanding a child’s diet difficult. Therapy helps children gradually build confidence without pressure.

Transitioning Textures

Some babies and toddlers struggle progressing from smooth purees to mashed, lumpy or solid foods.

Mealtime Anxiety

Stressful mealtimes can affect the whole family. Therapy aims to reduce anxiety while creating positive eating experiences.

Nutritional Concerns

Children with restricted diets may miss important nutrients needed for growth, learning and development.

Our Approach to Feeding Therapy

At Body & Brain Centre, we believe children deserve to feel safe around food.

Our feeding therapy focuses on understanding the whole child rather than simply changing eating behaviours.

Rather than expecting children to suddenly eat new foods, we celebrate every step forward - from tolerating a food on the table, to touching it, smelling it, tasting it, and eventually eating it, if and when they are ready.

Family-Centred Care

Parents and caregivers play an important role in feeding therapy.

We understand that every family has different routines, cultural preferences, financial considerations and mealtime challenges.

Our goal is to provide realistic, achievable strategies that fit into everyday family life - not unrealistic expectations that add further stress.

Families are supported with practical advice they can confidently use between appointments.

Feeding Therapy for Neurodivergent Children

Many autistic children, children with ADHD and those with sensory processing differences experience feeding challenges.

These difficulties are often related to genuine sensory experiences rather than behaviour or defiance.

Our approach is neuroaffirming, recognising and respecting individual differences while supporting children to develop confidence around eating in a way that feels safe and achievable.

We never use shame, force or coercion.

Feeding Therapy for Babies

Early feeding challenges may include:

• Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding

• Delayed transition to solids

• Difficulty progressing through textures

• Gagging or coughing during meals

• Poor weight gain

• Limited food acceptance

• Parent concerns about feeding development.

Early intervention can often prevent feeding difficulties from becoming more established over time.

What Happens at the First Appointment?

Your initial appointment is focused on understanding your child and your family’s experiences.

We will discuss:

• Your child’s feeding history

• Medical and developmental history

• Current eating patterns

• Favourite and avoided foods

• Mealtime routines

• Nutrition concerns

• Family goals.

Depending on your child’s comfort level, we may also observe eating or feeding interactions.

Together, we’ll develop an individualised plan that reflects your child’s needs and your family’s priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is feeding therapy only for severe feeding problems?

No. Many families seek support early because mealtimes have become stressful or their child’s food variety continues to shrink. Early support can often prevent feeding difficulties from becoming more complex.

Will my child be forced to eat foods they don’t want?

No.

Our approach is child-led and respectful. Children are never forced to eat. Instead, therapy focuses on helping children feel safe around food while gradually building confidence and reducing anxiety.

How long does feeding therapy take?

Every child is different.

Some children make progress within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support depending on the complexity of their feeding challenges.

Small, consistent gains often lead to meaningful long-term improvements.

Can feeding therapy help autistic children?

Yes.

Many autistic children experience sensory-related feeding differences. Therapy is tailored to the individual child and follows a neuroaffirming, respectful approach that supports both the child and their family.

Why See a Dietitian for Feeding Therapy?

While feeding difficulties often involve behaviour, sensory preferences and developmental skills, they can also affect a child’s nutrition, growth and overall health. An Accredited Practising Dietitian is uniquely qualified to assess not only how a child eats, but also what they are eating and whether they are receiving the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

Feeding therapy with a dietitian combines evidence-based nutrition care with responsive feeding strategies, helping families expand food variety, address nutrient gaps where needed, support healthy growth and reduce mealtime stress. By addressing both the nutritional and behavioural aspects of feeding, we help children build confidence with food while supporting long-term health and wellbeing.

Why Choose Body & Brain Centre?

At Body & Brain Centre, we understand that feeding is about far more than nutrition.

Eating involves sensory processing, motor skills, emotional regulation, development, family dynamics and everyday participation.

Our feeding therapist works collaboratively with families to understand the whole picture and create achievable, evidence-informed strategies that reduce stress and support positive change.

We celebrate progress in all its forms, recognising that every small step is an important milestone.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Supporting Feeding Difficulties

Feeding challenges are often influenced by many factors, including nutrition, sensory processing, development, emotional wellbeing and a child’s individual experiences with food. At Body & Brain Centre, we take a collaborative, whole-person approach to care, working alongside families and other health professionals when additional support may be beneficial.

For some children, feeding difficulties may occur alongside neurodevelopmental differences, sensory processing challenges or developmental concerns. Our chiropractic team has a special interest in neurodevelopmental care and works with children and families to support areas such as nervous system development, sensory regulation, coordination and overall function as part of a broader multidisciplinary approach. This might include looking at primitive reflexes such as the rooting, gagging and snout reflexes.

For teenagers and young adults, feeding difficulties may also be connected with anxiety, body image concerns, emotional wellbeing or more complex relationships with food. Where appropriate, our team can collaborate with psychological support to help address these factors alongside nutrition care.

By bringing together different areas of expertise, we aim to support the whole child - not just what they eat, but the developmental, emotional and environmental factors that influence their relationship with food. Our goal is to ensure families receive coordinated, personalised care that supports confidence, wellbeing and positive progress over time.

Book a Feeding Therapy Appointment

If you’re concerned about your child’s eating, food variety, mealtime stress or nutritional intake, early support can make a meaningful difference.

Whether your child is just beginning solids, has always been a selective eater, or has more complex feeding challenges, our team is here to help.

Contact Body & Brain Centre to book a feeding therapy assessment and begin working towards calmer mealtimes and greater confidence with food.