How psychologists help children and families with anxiety, distress and confidence around food.
Clinical psychologists help children and families with thoughts, feelings and behaviour. In the UK, practitioner psychologists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Feeding difficulties can affect emotional wellbeing and confidence, for children and for the people who care for them. Where anxiety or fear plays a part, a psychologist can help a child feel safer around food and help families find calmer ways through mealtimes.
Our Clinical Advisory Board includes clinical psychologist Sheryllin McNeill, who brings expertise in emotional wellbeing to the Foundation’s work alongside our speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and children’s dietitian.
Search our Find an Expert directory for certified Eating as Learning professionals who specialise in children’s feeding and eating.
Support with chewing, swallowing, moving on to new textures and communication at mealtimes.
Support with seating and posture, sensory processing, self-feeding skills and mealtime routines.
Support with growth, nutrition and making sure a limited diet still meets a child’s needs.
The Foundation regularly works alongside other charities and community organisations to ensure families can access relevant support and opportunities to get involved.
Examples include:
Positive About Down Syndrome (PADS)
The Foundation worked with PADS to develop a parent webinar exploring feeding development and eating challenges experienced by some children with Down syndrome.
Autism West Midlands
Through workshops and learning events, families have been able to explore topics relating to feeding differences, participation and neurodevelopment.
Worcestershire Parent Carer Forum
Partnership work with Worcestershire Parent Carer Forum has provided opportunities to hear family perspectives, support local engagement activities and strengthen conversations around feeding development, SEND and inclusion.
Interested in becoming a partner organisation?
