Early Childhood Intervention
This website is a place for families who are facing
challenges pertaining to their child's development and
growth.
It is a place to find answers and practical
suggestions. That's what Early Intervention Support is all
about.
Whether a family has a child with a challenging behavior,
a disability or developmental issue, childhood is short - it
should be savored and enjoyed.
Learn More:
Ask a Therapist
We understand developmental milestones and the challenges
of Special Needs children. We spend a great deal of time
with families understanding the inner workings of childhood
routines and interactions. Ask us about your child today!
Ask a Therapist
Dealing with a Picky Eater
Identify if Your Child is a Picky Eater
Picky eaters:
- Will eat less than 30 different foods
- Will eat one or more foods from each type of food texture
- Will have one favorite food that they will eat consistently, then
may burn out and not eat that food, but after 2 weeks will resume eating
that food again
- Will accept new foods on their plate and willingly touch or try new
foods
- Will eat a new food after being exposed to it at least 10 times
Most picky eaters get enough calories per day to maintain healthy weight
and growth. Picky eaters can be managed at home without too much difficulty.
Dealing with a Picky Eater at Home
The majority of picky eaters will gradually expand their diet to include
a greater variety of foods if these suggestions are implemented.
- Offer the child a variety of different foods each day
- Offer consistent set meal times for your child each day
- Make mealtimes pleasant
- Limit the child's juice intake to 4-6 ounces per day
- Limit the child's snacks to 2 or 3 healthy snacks per day
Is Your Child a Picky Eater or a Problem Feeder
Unlike picky eating, problem feeding is not a normal part of child
development. Children who are problem feeders often have inadequate caloric
intake, poor weight gain and growth, as well as vitamin and mineral
deficiencies. Learn more on our article about
Problem Feeders and
Tips to Improve Your Child's Eating.
Sources include: Autism and Feeding Problems by Elizabeth Strickland, RD,
LD; Pediatric Feeding Disorders by Kyong-Mee Chung and Sung Woo Khang;
Treating Eating Problems of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and
Developmental Delays by Keith E. Williams and Richard M. Foxx
Parenting Tips in Other Areas IncludeLearn More About Early InterventionTherapy OptionsThankfully, there are many ways to deal with childhood developmental
delays and behaviors. These include in-home services, outpatient (you take
your child to a clinic), inpatient (following injury or surgery) and school
based services. Which type of therapy should you choose? Visit our Therapy Options
area to learn more. Return to Top
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