Feeding is the most complex physical task a human performs; it involves the coordination of 26 muscles and 6 cranial nerves. When a child is a “picky eater,” it is often actually a Sensory Processing Disorder or an oral-motor weakness. They may have a hyper-sensitive “gag reflex” or lack the Lingual Lateralization (tongue movement) needed to move food from the center of the mouth to the molars for chewing.
In the culinary-rich environment of the UAE, feeding therapy helps children move beyond “white foods” (nuggets and fries) to explore different textures and temperatures. We use a “Sequential Sensory Oral” (SSO) approach, which gently desensitizes the child’s nervous system to new smells, textures, and tastes. This prevents the “fight or flight” response that many parents in Sharjah see at the dinner table, turning mealtime back into a bonding experience rather than a battle.
The “Food Scientist” Discovery Play
Introduce a new food (like a local date or a piece of pita) as a “science experiment.” Ask your child to describe its color, then its smell, then its texture with their hands—without the pressure to eat it. This Sensory Chaining reduces the “threat” level of the food and builds oral-motor curiosity.
Specialist FAQ
- Is this just for kids who won’t eat? No, it’s also for kids who “pocket” food in their cheeks, gag frequently, or have trouble transitioning from purées to solids.
- How long does a session last? Most feeding sessions are 45–60 minutes, allowing time for the child to get comfortable with the sensory environment before working with food.
- Can you help with texture aversions? Yes, this is our specialty. We work on desensitizing the tactile system so that “mushy” or “crunchy” textures aren’t overwhelming.
To transform your family mealtimes from stressful to successful, please visit us at Neurobloom Rehabilitation Centre, Al Nahda 2, Dubai or call 0507548629 for a feeding evaluation.
