Mealtimes can be overwhelming for many children—especially those who are autistic and experience heightened anxiety around eating. At Milestones Matter Therapy, along with other therapy approaches, we use the SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to Feeding to gently reframe mealtimes as safe, playful, and sensory-rich experiences, rather than stressful demands.
One of our amazing clients—a bright, curious child who communicates using an AAC device—came to us with significant anxiety surrounding meals. In the early days of feeding therapy, sitting at the table when food was present was a challenge. He would run or turn away, making it clear that food felt like a threat, not an opportunity.
But feeding therapy isn’t about forcing bites—it’s about building trust, curiosity, and confidence. That’s where the SOS Approach can be helpful.
In our sessions, we explore food through all the senses: looking, touching, smelling, and eventually tasting—if and when the child is ready. Recently, we introduced a rambutan, a spiky red tropical fruit that looks more like a toy than a snack.
To an adult, it may seem odd, but for this client, the rambutan was a perfect opportunity for sensory-based problem solving. We invited him to explore it with his hands—feeling its bumpy texture, rolling it around, and even giving it a little shake. We laughed together while describing it:
“It’s bumpy!” “It’s red!” “It’s a round ball!”
Instead of teaching him to memorize the word rambutan, we focused on building his descriptive vocabulary using his AAC device. He used the words “more ball” on his device paired with verbal speech to ask for another one—an incredible moment of functional communication! This was not only a breakthrough in his feeding progress but also a beautiful demonstration of language expansion through AAC.
We always say feeding therapy is never just about the food—it’s about connection, communication, and confidence. In that single session with the rambutan, we worked on:
Decreasing anxiety around new foods through safe, sensory-rich exposure
Increasing vocabulary using AAC and real-world sensory experiences
Building social communication skills through shared play, laughter, and turn-taking
Empowering independence and choice-making through AAC requests and preferences
Progress doesn’t always look like a clean plate. Sometimes it looks like a child choosing to stay, reaching out to touch, or asking for more. Client-centered care means we meet each child where they are—and celebrate every step forward.
We’re proud to support children and families in making mealtimes more enjoyable, less stressful, and ultimately more connected.
If your child is struggling with picky eating or mealtime anxiety, you’re not alone. Reach out to learn how we can help support your family through play-based, respectful feeding therapy.
To learn about how to support your picky/anxious eater, reach out about our Speech and Feeding Therapy in Houston and Galveston.