Feeding Therapy for Sensory-Based Feeding Disorders

Course overview

This 2-hour, live, interactive webinar hosted by Zoom provides pediatric therapists with an evidence-based overview of sensory-based feeding disorders. Participants will explore the prevalence of feeding challenges in children and identify common populations who may experience sensory-related feeding difficulties, including children with sensory processing differences and neurodevelopmental conditions. The course reviews the underlying sensory mechanisms that influence feeding behaviors and food selectivity. Participants will learn practical, sensory-based strategies to support children who present with aversions to textures, tastes, smells, and other sensory aspects of food. Emphasis is placed on understanding a child's sensory profile and using this information to guide therapeutic intervention. Evidence-based feeding therapy approaches will be discussed, including strategies to support gradual food exposure, promote positive feeding interactions, and expand a child's diet in a developmentally appropriate manner. Through case examples, clinical demonstrations, and caregiver coaching techniques, participants will gain practical tools to help families implement supportive feeding strategies at home. By the end of the course, therapists will be equipped with sensory-based intervention strategies that support improved participation in mealtime occupations while fostering positive, low-pressure feeding experiences for children and their families. At the end of this course, you will be able to (1) list key environmental modifications that promote feeding success for children with sensory-based feeding disorders, (2) identify specific foods that may impact food acceptance and participation in mealtime for children with sensory-based feeding disorders, (3) state three sensory-based intervention strategies to support children with feeding challenges, and (4) identify pediatric populations who may benefit from sensory-based feeding interventions. This distance-learning, interactive format is offered at 0.2 CEUs, Introductory Level, OT Service Delivery, and targeted to introductory- to intermediate-level OTs and COTAs. The course instructor, McKenzie Hoffman, MA, CCC-SLP, has been working as a therapist with a passion for feeding since 2020. She began her career at a pediatric outpatient clinic, where she started a feeding program and built a feeding team. Later, she moved to an outpatient setting in a children's hospital providing NICU follow-up services for babies and their families. Currently, she works in an inpatient setting at the same hospital working with families in the NICU and with pediatric inpatients. McKenzie strongly believes in collaboration, working alongside PTs and OTs using an early intervention team approach to help resolve feeding issues. For more information on our live courses, visit our website: https://www.sensationalbrain.com/product-category/ceu/live-webinars. To stay abreast of our latest live and recorded course offerings, sales, and FREEBIES, consider subscribing to our newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of our home page. Send questions to celeste@sensationalbrain.com.