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Eating Watermelon

Behavioral Feeding Therapy
Workshop (12+ BCBA CEUs)

Presented by:

Melissa Druskis, M.S., BCBA

Workshop:

Get your specialization certification in behavioral feeding therapy with our intensive 6-week  workshop which includes video lessons, applied assignments, and a trauma-informed approach to eliminating picky eating for your clients.

Perfect for:

  • Behavior Analysts

  • Speech Therapists

  • Occupational Therapists

  • Dieticians

  • Child Psychologists

  • Parents of Children with Picky Eating

~62% of children with Autism present with feeding issues

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face unique challenges when it comes to feeding and eating. Feeding disorders and picky eating can be particularly prevalent among children with ASD, and these issues can significantly impact their overall well-being and development.

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Feeding Disorders in Children with Autism

Feeding disorders refer to difficulties related to eating and can encompass a range of issues, such as food aversions, limited food preferences, sensory sensitivities, and oral-motor difficulties. In children with autism, feeding disorders may arise due to a combination of factors:

  • Sensory Sensitivities: Children with autism often experience heightened sensory sensitivities. They may be sensitive to the textures, tastes, and smells of certain foods, leading to aversions and refusal to eat certain foods.

  • Routine and Predictability: Many children with autism thrive on routines and predictability. Any disruption to their established eating routines can lead to resistance or anxiety around mealtimes.

  • Communication Challenges: Children with ASD might struggle to communicate their preferences, discomfort, or hunger, which can lead to frustration and misinterpretation of their needs by caregivers.

  • Limited Repertoire: Due to their restricted interests or repetitive behaviors, children with autism might develop a limited range of preferred foods, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and concerns.

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Picky Eating in Children with Autism

Picky eating refers to a selective approach to food, where a child may only eat a very limited range of foods and show resistance to trying new ones. In children with autism, picky eating can be more pronounced due to the reasons mentioned above. Some characteristics of picky eating in children with autism include:

  • Limited Food Preferences: Children with ASD may strongly prefer specific textures, colors, or flavors, often gravitating toward certain foods while completely rejecting others.

  • Rigidity: Children with autism may display rigid behaviors and thinking patterns. This rigidity can extend to their food choices, making it challenging to introduce new foods.

  • Food Jags: A child with autism might go through phases where they only want to eat a particular food, known as a "food jag." This can limit their nutritional intake and cause concerns.

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Impact on Overall Development

Feeding disorders and picky eating can have significant consequences for children with autism:

  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Limited food choices can lead to nutritional deficiencies, affecting their growth and development.

  • Mealtime Stress: Feeding challenges can result in stress and frustration for both the child and their caregivers during mealtimes.

  • Social Isolation: Children with feeding difficulties might face challenges participating in social events that involve food, leading to potential isolation from peers.

  • Behavioral Issues: Feeding challenges can contribute to behavioral issues, as children may use food refusal as a way to communicate or exert control.

  • Parental Stress: Caregivers often experience stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness when dealing with feeding issues in their child with autism.

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YOU
can make a change

Through our intensive workshop and mentorship opportunity, you can help your clients and their families achieve meaningful and significant change in their daily lives and STOP the mealtime struggles for good!

Workshop Curriculum

Module 6

Parent Involvement

As we finish our six-week workshop, we will discuss the importance of caregiver involvement in the feeding therapy process and effective solutions to parent training and carryover.

Module 5

Ethics

In our fifth week, we will discuss the ethics of introducing a feeding program, including the risks and benefits, as well as review the use of a client-centered trauma-informed approach. 

Module 4

Implementation (part 2)

In week four we will look at the final steps of implementation as your clients become more successful and move towards generalization and troubleshoot any additional concerns.

Module 3

Implementation (part 1)

Our third week will focus on the implementation of a new feeding program which will cover the initial steps to building a solid foundation of food acceptance.

Module 2

Assessment

In our second week, we will cover the initial steps of introducing a feeding program. This will include ruling out medical concerns, conducting a feeding assessment, and collecting baseline data.

Module 1

Introduction

In our first week, we will cover an overview of the concept of feeding disorders in children with Autism as well as a comparison of current methods to treat feeding challenges.

BONUS

Feeding Therapy Workbook

This digital workbook is a perfect accompaniment to the workshop.

Includes:

  • Weekly assignments

  • Client assessments

  • Feeding session data sheets

  • Detailed implementation guide

  • Troubleshooting tips

Interactive Community

Our interactive community will allow you to get support and ideas from your colleagues throughout the workshop and beyond!

Monthly Live Q&A

Don't miss out on receiving live support through out monthly Facebook Live Q&A's on our private Facebook group. 

Competency comes from knowledge and experience.

Competency Mentorship

Getting mentorship for applying your newly learned skills is VITAL to providing high-quality feeding services and ensuring you are competent and confident in your therapy.

Do not miss the opportunity to add on the mentorship option to your workshop purchase!

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Includes (over 5 hours of mentorship/ $850 value!):

Individualized feedback for all workshop assignments

3-session video review and feedback on your applied skills

  • Assessment

  • Implementation

  • Parent Training​

Live 1:1 meeting to review any questions or concerns

Personalized troubleshooting for any barriers you experience

Certificate of Clinical Competency in Behavioral Feeding Therapy*

Requirements to start mentorship:

  • Completion of the Behavioral Feeding Therapy Workshop

    • You have 1 year after completing workshop to initiate mentorship​

  • Client that would benefit from a feeding therapy program

  • Written consent to record your sessions and share them with your mentor

*Issued upon demonstrating competency in all areas. May require additional meetings if not demonstrated in the time alloted.

Value

This isn't your everyday MASTERCLASS!​

Behavioral Feeding Therapy Workshop​

12+ CEUs - - - - - valued at $240

Applied Feeding Assignments - - - - - valued at $150

Feeding Assessment & Resources - - - - - valued at $200

Feeding Data Sheets - - - - - valued at $50

Live Monthly Support - - - - - valued at $300/yr

add on the Intensive Competency Mentorship

5hrs of expert mentorship - - - - - valued at $975

Increase your marketable skills with a Certification of Clinical Competency in Behavioral Feeding Therapy  - - - - - valued at PRICELESS

6-week Behavioral Feeding Therapy Workshop

Valued at over $940... ONLY $399

Intensive Competency Mentorship

Valued at over $975... ONLY $450

Combined savings of over $1,000

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