Sensory Difficulties and Feeding
Sensory integration is how the brain takes in information from the senses, organizes it, and uses it to help us do everyday activities.
When a child has sensory-based feeding difficulties, it often means their brain reacts strongly to certain food textures, tastes, smells, or appearances. These reactions can make eating stressful and limit the variety of foods they’ll accept.
The Seven Senses
We often think of only five senses, but there are actually seven:
- Sight (Vision)
- Hearing (Auditory)
- Smell (Olfactory)
- Taste (Gustatory)
- Touch (Tactile)
- Vestibular (Movement & Balance)
- Proprioception (Body Position & Force)
How Sensory Challenges Can Affect Mealtime
A child might:
- Gag at certain food textures or smells.
- Avoid foods with mixed textures (like soup with chunks).
- Only accept very specific colors, shapes, or temperatures.
- Seek extra crunchy foods but avoid soft or mushy ones.
What To Do If You Suspect Sensory Difficulties
Every child’s sensory profile is unique — some may be over-reactive, under-reactive, or a mix of both.
A feeding therapist can help identify your child’s sensory preferences and guide you toward strategies that make mealtimes less stressful and more successful.
📌 For more on sensory signs and strategies, see our Sensory and Feeding Blog Post.