For many individuals, eating is more than just consuming nutrients—it’s a complex sensory experience that can be overwhelming or challenging for those with sensory processing difficulties. At Remedy Therapy Center, we understand how sensory challenges can significantly impact nutrition and overall well-being.
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is when the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to sensory information. This can affect how individuals interpret environmental stimuli, such as sound, taste, smell, texture, or temperature. While SPD is often associated with neurodevelopmental conditions like autism or ADHD, it can occur on its own and affect people of all ages.
In terms of eating, someone with SPD may experience a heightened or diminished response to food-related sensations. Children might gag at the sight or smell of certain foods, while adults might avoid entire food groups due to texture aversions. Though these reactions may start as preferences or quirks, they can escalate into restrictive eating patterns without proper support.
How Sensory Sensitivities Affect Eating Habits
For individuals with sensory sensitivities, mealtimes can become a minefield of challenges. The texture of food, the smell of a particular dish, or the visual presentation of a plate can trigger a negative reaction. Some common ways sensory sensitivities affect eating habits include:
- Texture aversion: Avoiding foods with certain textures, such as mushy fruits, crunchy vegetables, or slimy foods.
- Taste selectivity: Restricting the diet to a limited range of flavors, often preferring bland or sweet foods.
- Smell sensitivity: Avoiding foods with strong odors, which can trigger nausea or anxiety.
- Visual aversion: Disliking the appearance of certain foods or the way they are presented on a plate.
- Oral motor difficulties: Challenges with chewing and swallowing, leading to food avoidance.
These sensitivities can lead to significant dietary restrictions and difficulty consuming a balanced diet.
When Sensory-Based Eating Becomes a Disorder
While many people have food preferences, sensory-based eating becomes a clinical concern when it leads to Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)—an eating disorder characterized by an extreme avoidance of foods, often driven by sensory sensitivity rather than body image issues. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID can result in severe malnutrition, significant weight loss, or failure to meet expected growth milestones in children.
In cities like Orlando, where ARFID awareness is growing, ARFID nutrition therapy helps individuals re-establish a healthy relationship with food. Our therapists tailor treatment plans that address both physical nourishment and psychological healing.
Signs to Watch For in Children and Adults
Identifying sensory-related eating challenges early is key to intervention. Some signs to watch for in children and adults include:
- Extreme pickiness or food refusal: Consistently refusing to try new foods or only eating a very limited range of foods.
- Strong reactions to food textures, smells, or appearances: Showing visible distress or anxiety around certain foods.
- Difficulty sitting at the table: Fidgeting, squirming, or wanting to leave the table frequently.
- Delayed weight gain or weight loss: Not meeting expected growth milestones or experiencing unintentional weight loss.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Experiencing vitamin or mineral deficiencies due to a restricted diet.
- Anxiety or distress around mealtimes: Showing signs of stress or fear related to eating.
Treatment Options: Nutrition Therapy and CBT
At Remedy Therapy Center for Eating Disorders, we offer comprehensive treatment approaches that address the underlying sensory challenges contributing to eating disorders. Our team of experienced professionals uses evidence-based therapies, including:
- Nutrition Therapy: Registered Dietitians work with individuals to create personalized meal plans, address nutritional deficiencies, and gradually introduce new foods in a safe and supportive environment. ARFID nutrition therapy is a vital component of our treatment.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors related to food and eating. We offer sensory-based CBT therapy to address the specific anxieties and avoidance behaviors tied to sensory sensitivities. We will work with you to find feeding disorder support in Miami
- Sensory Integration Therapy: In some cases, occupational therapy may be incorporated to help individuals develop coping mechanisms and strategies for managing sensory sensitivities.
- Family Therapy: Family involvement is crucial for providing support and understanding throughout the recovery process.
Why Choose Remedy Therapy Eating Disorders
Remedy Therapy Center for Eating Disorders is committed to providing compassionate and effective care to individuals struggling with eating disorders. We understand the unique challenges posed by sensory sensitivities and offer specialized expertise in addressing these issues. Our comprehensive approach, coupled with our dedication to individualized treatment plans, makes us a leading provider of sensory eating therapy in West Palm and the surrounding areas. We are here to help you or your loved one on the path to recovery.
Contact us today to learn more.