Mealtime Supports Adelaide

Supporting children to feel enjoyment and connection at mealtimes

We help reduce the stress of mealtimes for caregivers and anxious eaters
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At SPOT we are excited to be introducing mealtime services to support families that find mealtimes challenging. We follow the Marsha Dunn Klein, Get Permission Approach to Anxious Eaters Anxious Mealtimes to guide our supports for families with children that really struggle with success and enjoyment at mealtimes. This approach is responsive, supportive, sensitive and evidence based.

Key challenges we can help with

Helping your child feel comfortable with, and enjoy mealtimes

Many children find mealtimes stressful and unenjoyable. We support families through:

Assessment and intervention for anxious eaters

Through a thorough information gathering process we aim to work collaboratively with caregivers to provide informed suggestions and recommendations for mealtimes.

Caregiver coaching and training

Caregivers are supported through education and training to understand the Get Permission Approach and most importantly what they can do to create mealtime peace.

This approach is flexible and can work a number of ways

We can carry out assessment and information gathering in person or via telehealth and phone.

How SPOT Can help your child

Reducing stress around mealtimes to create "mealtime peace"

Through engaging in mealtime supports for anxious eaters you can hope to gain:

Achievable, successful options

This approach aims to work with families to identify options and strategies that suit your child and your family.

 

Enjoyable mealtimes

This approach aims to support children to be self-directed with their eating, feel confident and internally motivated to eat enough.

A deeper understanding of many factors contributing to stressful mealtimes

Feeding is a relationship and understanding all of the contributing factors to mealtime stress can help to build empathy and increase success at mealtimes.

Child happily eating fruit with cutlery

Addressing your questions and concerns

Every child’s journey is unique, and their therapy should reflect that. Here’s what you can expect:

“Will therapy really help?”

We work with you to meet you where you are at and really focus on identifying the changes and strategies that will fit with you and your child

“What if my child is too anxious?”

The assessment process involves a mealtime assessment in person with your child. We aim to prepare for this session as well as possible to ensure your child feels comfortable eating with us. This might look like setting up a picnic, bringing along a favourite toy or teddy, and keeping the session as relaxed as possible eating together.

“How will I know if this is the right approach for my child?”

Our assessment process involves an initial 15-20 minute phone call to give you as much information about the process as possible and an opportunity to ask us questions. From here you can determine if this is the best way forward for you.

Do you have more questions? Check out our FAQ page, or contact our friendly team to discuss your concerns.

Tailored therapy for your child’s development needs

Every child’s journey is unique, and their therapy should reflect that. Here’s what you can expect:

Personalised assessment

The first step is understanding your child’s specific strengths and challenges through conversations, observations, and assessments. This helps us put together an individualised plan just for them.

Interest driven, tailored sessions

Our sessions are designed around your child’s strengths and interests, making therapy engaging and comfortable. We aim to foster a relaxed environment where children feel free to explore and grow.

Parent involvement and home support

We value the role that parents and caregivers play in their child’s journey. You’ll have the option to participate in sessions and receive home practice strategies to reinforce your child’s progress between appointments.