Fussy Eating – When to Worry and How OT or Speech Pathology Can Help
- claire2876
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
Every child has preferences, but some children’s eating habits go far beyond typical pickiness. If mealtimes feel like a daily battle or your child’s diet is very limited, you’re not alone—and help is available.
Occupational therapists and speech pathologists work with children who are fussy, avoidant, or anxious about food to improve comfort, nutrition, and family mealtime success.
🍽️ What’s Typical vs. Concerning?
Many toddlers go through a normal “picky eating” phase around ages 2–3. This often resolves on its own. However, ongoing avoidance or distress around food could be a sign of something more.
🔍 Signs That Fussy Eating May Need Professional Support
Eats fewer than 10–15 different foods
Refuses entire food groups (e.g. no vegetables or proteins)
Gags, vomits, or becomes upset when presented with new foods
Avoids foods based on colour, texture, or smell
Eats only very specific brands, temperatures, or presentations
Mealtimes are highly stressful or emotional for the family
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or managing textures
These may be indicators of sensory processing challenges, oral motor delays, or feeding disorders that can be addressed through therapy.
🏠 Strategies to Try at Home
Messy play with food: Touching, smelling, or playing with food before eating
Food chaining: Gradually introduce new foods based on favourites (e.g. moving from white bread to toast)
No-pressure exposure: Let your child interact with food without requiring a bite
Predictable mealtime routines: Regular times, calm setting, limit distractions
Use fun tools: Cut food into shapes, offer dips, or serve on colourful plates
Model and narrate eating: Talk about how food looks, feels, and tastes
Small, consistent changes over time can increase your child’s comfort and confidence.
📥 When to Refer to OT or Speech Pathology for Feeding Support
Your child is highly selective or avoids entire textures
Anxiety or distress is affecting meals and nutrition
Mealtime is a battle that leaves everyone upset
Your child has a history of reflux, choking, or prematurity
They struggle with chewing, swallowing, or weight gain
You're concerned about their growth or overall health
We offer gentle, play-based feeding therapy tailored to your child’s sensory and developmental profile.
💬 Turn Mealtimes into Calm, Positive Experiences
Whether you’re worried about picky eating, oral-motor concerns, or general food refusal, our team is here to help with practical, compassionate support.
📍 Shoalhaven Occupational Therapy, Shoalhaven Allied Health or Shellharbour Occupational Therapy
📅 Book via HotDoc:
🔗 Book Now – Shoalhaven: https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/nowra-NSW-2541/shoalhavenot-au/doctors
🔗 Book Now – Shellharbour: https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/barrack-heights-NSW-2528/shellharbour-occupational-therapy/doctors
