Pediatric Pioneers Episode 17: Sensory-Based Pediatric Feeding: How Can OT Improve Mealtimes?

Elizabeth N. Legg, MOT, OTR/L—an experienced pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Kidz Connect Therapy—joins host Nicole Quint to explore one of the most complex and emotionally charged areas of childhood development: feeding. Nicole and Liz unpack why picky eating is rarely just “picky” and dig into how sensory, emotional, and relational factors shape a child’s eating experience. You’ll hear key research takeaways and walk away with practical, evidence-based strategies you can use in your own sessions. Whether you’re navigating texture aversions or coaching overwhelmed caregivers, this episode offers fresh insights to support children at the table and beyond.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence around pediatric feeding challenges, including the etiology and intervention approaches for picky eatingApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address pediatric feeding challengesSolve patient case scenarios involving picky eating, food refusal, and sensory-based feeding challenges through clinical reasoning and caregiver coaching techniquesTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to sensory-based pediatric feeding(00:02:57) Understanding the SOS approach to feeding(00:05:56) The importance of sensory processing in feeding(00:09:01) Defining picky eating and problem feeding(00:11:15) The role of early intervention in feeding challenges(00:14:30) Research insights on sensory-based feeding(00:19:12) Child-led interventions and family dynamics(00:22:37) Empowering caregivers in feeding interventions(00:26:09) Translating research into practice(00:31:03) Therapeutic approaches to feeding challenges(00:36:20) Key takeaways for therapists(00:40:12) Success stories and case scenariosPediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠