Feeding problems? Why isn't my child eating?

Strategies to help children with ASD with eating disorders.

Music therapy is a therapeutic intervention based on the use of music to promote physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being. In the case of children with eating disorders and autism , this tool can be particularly beneficial due to its ability to address emotional and behavioral problems and foster communication and self-regulation.

Benefits of music therapy in children with eating disorders and autism:

1. Emotional regulation and anxiety reduction :

• Music has calming effects and can reduce the levels of stress and anxiety that children with eating disorders and autism often experience.

• It helps to channel difficult emotions related to eating, self-esteem, and social interactions.

2. Promoting communication :

• Children with autism often have difficulty expressing their emotions or needs; music offers a non-verbal means to do so.

• Musical improvisation, singing, and personalized songs can stimulate language development and social interaction.

3. Building healthy routines :

• Music can be integrated into eating routines, helping children to associate meals with positive experiences.

• Rhythmic songs or structured activities can facilitate the gradual acceptance of new foods or reduce behaviors related to food avoidance.

4. Development of social skills :

• Participation in group music therapy sessions promotes social interaction, teamwork, and turn-taking.

• Music can be a bridge to connect with others, something especially relevant for children with autism.

5. Controlled sensory stimulation :

• For children with sensory hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity (common in autism), music provides regulated stimulation that helps to balance their sensory perception.

• This can be helpful in the acceptance of textures or flavors in the context of eating disorders.

6. Fostering self-esteem :

• Creating or performing music can generate a sense of accomplishment, strengthening self-confidence.

Most commonly used music therapy techniques:

1. Therapeutic singing :

• It helps improve language development and express emotions safely.

2. Instrumental improvisation :

• It promotes self-expression and self-regulation.

3. Active music listening :

• It promotes relaxation and improves mood.

4. Rhythmic movement and dance :

• Facilitates body integration and improves the mind-body connection.

5. Custom song composition :

• It allows addressing specific topics related to food, self-concept and social interaction.

Studies and evidence:

Music therapy has proven effective in reducing anxiety, increasing communication, and improving adaptive behavior in children with autism. Furthermore, in eating disorders, music has been found to be a protective factor against food-related stress and to promote a more positive relationship with food.

Conclusion:

Music therapy is a valuable tool that complements other interventions for children with eating disorders and autism. Personalizing sessions to meet the child's needs is key to maximizing its benefits and promoting an overall improvement in their well-being.

Activities for children under 5 years old with eating disorders should be designed in a playful and safe manner, focused on improving their relationship with food. Since children at this age are in a stage of sensory and emotional development, interventions should include elements of play, creativity, and gradual exploration, respecting their individual needs.

Recommended activities:

1. Sensory exploration with food:

• Objective : To reduce sensitivity or avoidance towards certain foods.

• How to do it :

• Use foods of different textures, colors and smells (for example, puree, gelatin, soft fruits, cookies).

• It allows the child to touch, squash, smell and play with food without having to eat it.

• Example: Create figures with mashed potatoes or make “painting” with colored yogurt.

2. Role-playing games with food:

• Objective : To normalize food as part of the routine and reduce associated anxiety.

• How to do it :

• Use a toy kitchen or table to “prepare food” with playdough, dough, or real non-perishable food.

• Invite the child to “cook” for their dolls or stuffed animals and feed them.

• Example: The child “feeds” a doll, imitating positive behavior towards food.

3. Musical games about food:

• Objective : To create a positive association with food.

• How to do it :

• Sing songs about food, such as "The Fruit Salad," or make up songs that include the names of the foods being introduced.

• Use simple instruments (tambourines, maracas) to accompany the singing.

4. Interactive stories about food:

• Objective : To help the child understand the importance of food in a fun way.

• How to do it :

• Use stories that include characters who explore food (example: “The color monster eats carrots”).

• Combine reading with related activities, such as identifying or drawing the foods mentioned.

5. Food classification activity:

• Objective : To familiarize the child with foods and their categories.

• How to do it :

• Give the child cards with pictures of food or food toys.

• Help him classify according to colors, textures or types (fruits, vegetables, etc.).

• Example: “Let’s find all the foods that are red.”

6. Creating fun dishes:

• Objective : To make food visually appealing and encourage its acceptance.

• How to do it :

• With the help of an adult, create faces or figures using pieces of fruit, vegetables, or bread.

• Example: A sandwich with “eyes” of cucumber slices and a “mouth” of tomato.

7. Touch and smell before tasting:

• Objective : To reduce initial aversion to new foods.

• How to do it :

• Introduce a new food as an object of curiosity. Encourage the child to touch, smell, and observe it before tasting it.

• Use phrases like: “Can you touch it? How does it feel?”

8. Texture Race:

• Objective : To encourage the acceptance of different consistencies.

• How to do it :

• Place foods with different textures in small containers (puree, yogurt, pieces of soft bread, gelatin).

• Ask the child to touch, taste, or play with each one.

9. Games with eating utensils:

• Objective : To reduce anxiety associated with utensils and promote autonomy.

• How to do it :

• Teach the child to use small forks, spoons, or tongs as part of a game.

• Example: Use tweezers to pick up pieces of fruit and place them on a plate.

10. Activities with food painting:

• Objective : To associate food with creativity and fun.

• How to do it :

• Use colored food purees (beetroot, spinach, carrot) as non-toxic paint for the child to draw on a plate or paper.

• Talk about colors and textures while painting.

General advice:

• Gradual progress : Do not force the child to eat; first, they must become familiar with and comfortable with the food.

• Relaxed environment : Carry out the activities in a pressure-free environment, with enough time.

• Reinforce the positive : Applaud every small achievement, such as touching or tasting a new food.

• Avoid excessive distractions : Although the environment should be playful, the main focus should be on the food.

These activities should be complemented with the support of a multidisciplinary team, which may include pediatricians, nutritionists, and therapists specializing in childhood eating disorders.