How do I know if my child has sensory sensitivities and what can I do to support their eating?

How do I know if my child has sensory sensitivities and what can I do to support their eating? The importance of different sensory experiences for young children is well known, we now have baby sensory classes, sensory rooms, sensory toys and a deeper understanding of how these sensory experiences impact a child’s life. 

So how do you know if your child is sensory seeking or sensory avoidant, how does this impact what they might eat and what can you do to support them?

Sensory seeking and sensory avoiding: What you need to know

Children that are sensory avoidant are more likely to feel anxious when trying new foods. The smells, textures or flavours might feel too overwhelming. If your child experiences foods very intensely it is useful to find ways to dilute the smell, texture or flavour in another food that is more acceptable to them. For example, adding a small amount of blended fruit to a yoghurt or adding flavours to pasta, bread or pancakes just a little at a time. 

Using sensory food play for your child helps support them to experience these foods in a non-pressurised environment and to help them de-sensitise. As there is no pressure to eat the food they are often more willing to explore and familiarise themselves with the food and try them at some later date. Children with hypersensitivity need plenty of reassurance that foods are safe to eat.

Sensory seeking children also really enjoy sensory food play as it satisfies their need for sensory input. The actions of chopping, kneading, mixing and whisking especially appeal to their sensory needs. Providing them with a safe and appropriate task can satisfy their craving to use their strength and body pressure on something. 

Only 5-15% of children have sensory processing disorders but noticing how your child interacts with different sensory experiences can be helpful for widening their food senses and providing enriching food activities to support them to enjoy a healthy relationship with food.