UCP's Approach to Feeding Difficulties
Many parents imagine that feeding their little one will be a relatively simple, positive experience. The reality is that it doesn’t always turn out to be that way. Sometimes, children refuse to try new foods, become upset during mealtime, or suddenly stop eating foods that used to be their favorite. That can be both unexpected and overwhelming. If your child is showing signs of feeding difficulties, a skilled clinician could help.
A child’s feeding difficulties are assessed and addressed through a focus on fostering a positive association with mealtime. The approach can be used by therapists working with a child and by parents. According to research, a child can be an established picky eater by the age of four. And though parents may mean well, pressuring a child to eat a food they’ve refused isn’t proven to help them develop a more well-rounded diet. Early intervention and working with a skilled therapist can help improve your child’s feeding behaviors.
UCP is launching a new Feeding Program in Spring 2025. Learn more about this opportunity below!
Our program outline
90-minute group session comprised of 3-5 kids depending on age/functional level
The session will include an activity at the start and end of the group with 45-60 minutes of food interaction being the majority of each session.
8 week program - 1 session per week
Additional cost for program: cost of food and feeding kit if parents wish to purchase their own.
How our program is competitive
Other local programs are intensive and require daily attendance for several weeks, making this unfeasible for many families.
A group session allows for the social experience mealtimes provide and peer interactions/modeling.
Program Details:
Location: West Orange Campus, 1441 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Winter Garden
Program Days: Friday's
Program Duration: 8 weeks, Jan 10, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Meet our Therapy Provider!
Kristian Porco is an Occupational Therapist with 15 years of experience, a majority with pediatric clients in both outpatient and natural environment settings. Kristian has worked with clients with feeding aversion since the start of her career and it is a passion she enjoys. While the progress is not immediate, the small gains seen by others are actually a giant mountain for the kids, and it is very rewarding as a therapist to be a part of these successes for the children and their families.
To sign up for this program, contact:
Marilyn Perez marilyn.perez@ucpcfl.org