Our pediatric feeding evaluation is designed to address the specific challenges associated with picky eating and provide comprehensive solutions. At Tiny Tastebuds, we understand the impact that picky eating can have on a child's overall health and well-being, which is why we offer specialized assessments tailored to their unique needs. During the feeding evaluation, we will carefully assess your child's eating behaviors, food preferences, and sensory responses. We take a holistic approach, considering factors such as texture aversion, limited food repertoire, oral motor skills, and developmental milestones. By understanding the underlying causes of picky eating, we can develop a targeted treatment plan to help your child expand their food choices. We use evidence-based techniques and strategies to create a positive and supportive environment during the evaluation process. We observe your child's mealtime behaviors, assess their oral motor skills, and analyze their response to different foods. Additionally, we take into account any medical conditions or allergies that may be influencing your child's eating habits.

Picky eating often goes hand-in-hand with sensory challenges, making it crucial to address the underlying sensory issues that may be contributing to food aversions. We recognize that picky eating can stem from sensory sensitivities, such as texture aversions, strong taste reactions, and heightened sensitivity to smells. Meals provide us with an overwhelming amount of sensory input, from sights, smells, tastes, and textures. They present a unique challenge for kids, which is why we utilize a sensory-based approach for all children and work under the philosophy for every child takes in and responds to the world differently. We work with you and your child to determine the types of sensory input can help make meals more manageable. Through carefully designed play activities, we will work with your child to gradually expose them to different textures, tastes, smells, and temperatures, helping them develop tolerance and acceptance of new foods.

We understand that picky eating can be influenced by oral motor challenges, which impact a child’s ability to chew, swallow, and coordinate their mouth muscles during mealtimes. At Tiny Tastebuds, we are skilled in providing targeted interventions to improve oral motor skills and enhance feeding abilities. Through a variety of engaging and play-based activities, we work with your child to improve their tongue movements, jaw stability, lip control, and overall oral motor function. We provide guidance and support, equipping parents with strategies and exercises that can be incorporated into daily routines to reinforce progress outside of therapy sessions.

We understand that it takes a village to address picky eating. That’s why we offer parent counseling services as an integral part of our comprehensive approach to helping picky eaters. We recognize that parents play a vital role in supporting their child’s feeding journey, and we are here to provide guidance, education, and support every step of the way. Picky eating can be a source of stress and concerns for families, and we are dedicated to offering a compassionate and understanding space where parents can share their experiences and find practical solutions. We will cover a range of topics, including mealtime strategies, creating a positive eating environment, introducing new foods, and managing food aversions, and fostering healthy eating habits. We equip parents with practical tools, resources, and customized recommendations that can be implemented at home to support your child’s progress.