Sensory Processing Disorder and Food Allergies: 7 Tips

Boy wearing noise-cancelling headphones | Photo by Alireza Attari on Unsplash

Navigating through childhood with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or food allergies is a journey, but handling both simultaneously can feel like maneuvering through an intricate labyrinth. These two conditions, each impacting a child’s interaction with their environment and their diet, inevitably influence one another; a child's health, development, and interests all intertwine within these contexts.

Let’s dive into understanding these SPD, and offer some tangible tips for managing them.

Sensory Processing Disorder: A Synopsis

SPD impinges upon how a child perceives and responds to sensory input - be it touch, taste, or sound. Kids with SPD may be over sensitive to stimuli or, contrastingly, seek out more intense experiences. This can impact their willingness to try different foods, wear certain fabrics, or adapt to new environments. Simply staying well-hydrated can be a source of difficulty, with some children struggling to tolerate the plainness of water; as well as finding creative ways to encourage kids to drink more water, healthy hydration options, such as infused waters and water-rich foods are a great starting point.

Food Allergies: Not Just Picky Eating

Food allergies involve an immune response to specific foods and can manifest through skin reactions, digestive problems, or even anaphylaxis. For a child with SPD, who may already be hesitant with food choices, introducing an allergen-free diet could elevate their feeding challenges.

Intersecting Challenges

Juggling SPD and a food allergy can be notably perplexing. Jess Grelle, SVP of Innovation at leading plant-based food company, Safe + Fair, acknowledges the significance of understanding and addressing these intersecting challenges; she says, "Our mission involves not only providing safe food options but understanding the profound ways our products impact the daily lives and long-term development of children. Aligning nutritious, allergen-free options with the sensory preferences of children is crucial.”

Tip #1: Involve the Child in Food Preparation

Photo of Mother and Child Preparing Diner | Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Embracing the colorful, tactile world of cooking can transform the kitchen into a playful arena where curiosity can gradually nudge anxiety aside without drawing attention to its ploy! It’s important to:

• Understand their comfort levels and sensory preferences

• Introduce new textures and tastes gradually

• Use visually appealing and fun shapes in food presentation

Tip #2: Prioritize Open Communication

Harnessing the power of honest, clear communication forms a bridge between a child's apprehensive world of ‘do not eat’ to a safer, comprehensible landscape where their feelings are acknowledged and validated. Parents and caregivers must:

• Validate their feelings and experiences

• Explain the necessity of avoiding certain allergens in simple, comprehensible language

• Implement a reward system for trying new, safe foods

Tip #3: Professional Involvement

Scaffolding the journey with a team of diverse professionals ensures that no stone, from dietary requirements to emotional wellbeing, is left unturned - inspecting each with the utmost care and expertise. Make sure to:

• Seek occupational therapy for SPD management strategies

• Collaborate with a dietitian to ensure nutritional needs are met despite allergy restrictions

• Consider involving a psychologist if anxiety around food becomes prominent

Tip #4: Social Settings and Inclusivity

Navigating through social settings and events, where food and sensory stimuli are abundant, calls for a pre-emptive strategy that intertwines safety, enjoyment, and peer interaction seamlessly. Considerations include:

• Speaking with teachers and caregivers about your child's needs and preferences

• Sending safe, alternative snacks and meals with your child during social events

• Educating peers in an age-appropriate manner to foster understanding and support

Tip #5: Seek Out Specialized Products

In the myriad aisles of the supermarket, the targeted, conscious selection of brands and products becomes a linchpin in ensuring nutritional adequacy without jeopardizing safety. Be sure to:

• Look for brands that focus on allergen-free, nutritious, and kid-friendly options

• Read labels meticulously to avoid hidden allergens

• Identify what textures, tastes, and colors your child prefers in their food

Tip #6: Facilitate a Sensory-Friendly Environment

Family of Three at the Diner Table | Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash

Crafting a mealtime environment that evokes feelings of comfort and security allows a child to explore their plate with minimized anxiety, and maximized curiosity and joy. Handy tips include:

• Creating a mealtime setting that accounts for sensory sensitivities, such as soft lighting and minimizing loud noises

• Ensuring seating is comfortable and supportive

• Utilizing adaptive utensils, if needed, to encourage autonomous eating.

Tip #7: Establish a Safe and Predictable Routine

Embedding the chaos of exploration within the secure boundaries of routine allows a child to tread into uncharted territories with more confidence. Key strategies include:

• Maintaining consistency in meal times

• Ensure a balance of familiar and novel foods to progressively widen their accepted food list

• Integrate positive mealtime experiences to build a secure association with eating

Tech and Tools to Aid Management

In the tech-savvy world we inhabit, leveraging digital aids to manage SPD and food allergies becomes not just convenient, but often essential. In recent years, various apps and platforms have emerged as substantial allies in handling these children’s unique needs.

• Food allergy management apps: These come equipped with features like scanning product barcodes to detect potential allergens, managing and sharing vital medical information, and even sending alerts in emergency situations

• SPD assistance tools: There are apps designed to help children with SPD engage in calming activities, manage transitions with visual timers, or navigate social scenarios using structured guides

• Online communities: Platforms like forums, blogs, and social media groups become spaces where parents and caregivers share experiences, strategies, and lend a supportive ear to those treading a similar path

Final Thoughts

Merging the worlds of SPD and food allergies requires a compassionate, structured, and innovative approach. By intertwining a deep understanding of both conditions with a child-centered methodology, the trajectory of successfully navigating through meals and social settings becomes clearer and attainable; remember that celebrating small victories, such as trying a new food or managing a sensory-overwhelming environment successfully, is monumental in the overarching journey. And this journey isn't traversed alone! As parents, therapists, and educators, your unwavering support molds a world that is inclusively shaped with deeper understanding and adaptability.

Note: Tailoring strategies and interventions to suit individual children’s needs is paramount, as every child experiences SPD and food allergies uniquely. Always consult healthcare and allied professionals for targeted advice and strategies.