Get any links mentioned here: https://kidscookrealfood.com/sensory-processing-disorder/Kids MORE than picky? They might have a sensory processing issue, and I cannot tell you how much I learned from Dr. Nicole Beurkens in this interview about helping kids eat healthy no matter their sensory limitations! These practical tips are amazing for kids who only eat 20 foods or less (but also apply to any selective eaters!). I never understood before how sensory processing works, but Dr. Beurkens explains things so well, and her background as a special ed teacher then psychologist then nutritionist is a POWERHOUSE of info!I think all parents and teachers need to hear this positive and encouraging info...pass it on to those we can help! All kids CAN eat healthy food, and it's a happy circle - the better they eat, the less their developmental issues affect their learning and behavior.Who should watch? Parents with picky eaters, busy bodies, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, known or suspected SPD, and...everyone. I know you'll learn so much!!! Never heard of Sensory Processing Disorder? Here's a summary from the interview:Sensory Processing Disorder refers to difficulties that happen in some children where their brain struggles to make sense of input coming from the sensory environment. Information comes to our brain through our five senses. The brain has to make sense of it so that we can react appropriately. The brains of kids with SPD struggle to make sense of this information quickly and effectively. There are two different types of kids with SPD. Some are under-responsive, which means they might not notice that things smell differently, or they can fall down and get a scrape and not really feel it. Some are over-responsive, which means they always cover their ears because everything is loud, a small lump in the seam of their shirt could make them super uncomfortable.This usually impacts eating in some way. There is a difference between picky eaters and kids with true feeding disorders. Kids that are picky won't eat some foods, but at least they have a range of foods they eat. Kids with feeding disorders usually have less than 20 foods in their diet, and they may even be brand or presentation specific. Usually the first step for both of these types is exposure to new foods without expecting them to eat it. Watch the interview to find out how to get kids to eat a wider variety of foods by asking them not to eat! Find Dr. Beurkens in the Greater Grand Rapids area at Horizons Developmental Resource Center https://www.horizonsdrc.com and she has a wealth of online info here as well: https://www.drbeurkens.com/Read more about sensory processing disorder on Kitchen Stewardship: https://www.kitchenstewardship.com/when-a-picky-eater-might-have-more-going-on-guest-post/Visit the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse and see how we teach children confidence in the kitchen: https://kidscookrealfood.comFind all the Kids Cook Real Food Healthy Parenting Connector videos at https://youtu.be/GVRq0m-Ehe4
