Mealtimes can be a daily challenge for many families raising kids with disabilities — and this week, we’re exploring why. Whether your child has sensory sensitivities, a highly selective diet, feeding challenges, or a limited list of preferred foods, you’re not alone. We’re sharing insights, strategies, and expert guidance on building feeding skills in a supportive, child-centered way.
Restrictive diets
Whether it’s due to food allergies, a medical condition, or a disability-related feeding challenge, managing a restrictive diet can make everything from school lunches to birthday parties more complicated. Explore our parent guide to restrictive diets, then learn how to navigate school plans and accommodations.
Picky eating
While nearly every child goes through phases of selective eating, some kids need additional support to build healthy eating habits. Learn the differences between selective eating, ARFID, sensory and motor challenges, and feeding difficulties, plus strategies to help your child build confidence around food. Read more about picky eating here.
Feeding challenges
From chewing and swallowing to sensory sensitivities, feeding challenges can make mealtimes tough. Learn feeding red flags to watch over time, when to seek help, and helpful techniques you can try at home. Read more about feeding challenges here.
Feeding therapy
Could feeding therapy help your child feel more comfortable at mealtime? Learn what happens in therapy (hint: chewing, swallowing, sensory processing, posture, adaptive equipment) and how it can build skills beyond just “trying new foods.” Read more about feeding therapy here.
Dive Deeper
Numbers to note: $5
A restaurant outing is a mini life-skills lesson: making choices, communicating needs, budgeting, and paying. One fun way to practice? Use an allowance and a wish list. Talk through the trade-offs together: “You could spend $5 on something you like now, or save up for that $20 item you really love.” For teens, bring it into the real world with things they actually care about — Steam funds, a sports uniform, or those cookies they always get from the cafeteria. Learn more about budgeting, diner style!
Dear Undivided
Can I include a nutritionist in my child’s Self-Determination Program budget?
Some Undivided families in California incorporate a nutrition consultant, dietitian, or nutritional coach into their SDP plans. If you’re looking for a provider and you’re an Undivided member, ask a Navigator about our referral lists for providers who accept SDP funding.
Undivided Conversations → Streaming on Facebook and YouTube
- Feeding Therapy 101 → Saturday, July 25, 10:00 a.m. PT. Follow Joan Surfus, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, SWC, and Marci Silver, MS, CCC-SLP, as they break down the basics of feeding therapy — what it is, how it works, and how it can support your child’s development.
- Autism Nutrition → Sunday, July 26, 10:00 a.m. PT. If you have a child on the autism spectrum, you know they can be very picky eaters. Autism Dietician Brittyn Coleman sits down with Undivided’s Lindsay Crain to discuss her best tip for helping your child.
Office hours → Wednesday, July 29, 12:00 p.m. PT
Do you have questions about public benefits programs in California like Regional Center, Medi-Cal, IHSS, or SSI? Join us for office hours with Lisa Concoff Kronbeck, Undivided’s public benefits specialist, for a live Q&A. Office hours Zoom sessions are open to Undivided members only, so if you’re not a member yet, sign up here to participate→
One Undivided family traveled with Autism on the Seas to help with food, activities, respite, and more on a cruise ship! Check it out on Instagram→
How does occupational therapy help with feeding challenges for kids with developmental disabilities? Watch this quick video on our YouTube channel→
This week in our private group for parents: pets as comfort animals, adaptive skills providers, special needs trust attorney recommendations, and more! Join the discussion on Facebook→
July is Disability Pride Month! Check out some of the highlights on our LinkedIn→
