everyone invited to partake in the meal
The Anderson Center for Autism, a renowned institution offering educational, vocational, residential, and clinical services, has developed an innovative program called MEALLS (Making Eating a Lifeworthy Learning Skill). This interdisciplinary program is designed to help children, particularly those with autism and neurodivergent individuals, cultivate a positive relationship with food.
The objective of MEALLS is to promote food tolerance and build nutritious eating habits. The program uses a 25-32 step process, which involves offering alternative, more nutrient-rich foods based on the child's current diet, taking each step gradually, and being patient with the process.
One of the key strategies in MEALLS is encouraging a child to explore foods. This includes using a fork or touching the food with fingers, bringing it to the child's mouth, and even scraping food into the garbage after a meal, all of which help build trust and comfort with the food. No pressure is placed on the child to eat anything; the goal is to build tolerance to the foods.
An important first step is exposing your child to various foods on the table, even without eating. This simple act can help familiarise the child with different textures and flavours, making them more likely to try new foods in the future.
If no results are seen, private, in-home consultative opportunities are available through Anderson Center Consulting and Training. These consultations offer personalised advice to help improve mealtime experiences and address feeding disorders.
The MEALLS program typically lasts for 12 weeks, and by the end of it, a child is likely snacking on a wider variety of foods. The initiative, known as the "NOURISH Initiative," has been successful in promoting food-tolerant habits among its participants.
For more information about the strategies offered by the Anderson Center for Autism, visit their website at andersoncenterforautism.org. The MEALLS approach can be useful for any child or dinner guest needing support with food, making it a valuable resource for parents and caregivers alike.
Read also:
- Leeds set for a healthier future through new collaborative endeavor
- Eight strategies for promoting restful slumber in individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Exploring the Strength of Minimally Digestible Diets: A Roadmap to Gastrointestinal Healing
- Secondhand Smoke: Understanding its Nature, Impact on Health, and Additional Facts
