Beyond the SOS Feeding Approach: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

Feeding challenges are a common concern for many parents, especially when their child is a picky eater. While the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding approach is a popular and effective method for addressing feeding issues, it’s important to understand that feeding therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, we believe in a holistic, individualised approach to feeding therapy that goes beyond the SOS method.

Understanding the SOS Feeding Approach

The SOS Feeding approach is a sensory-based program that encourages children to explore and interact with food in a non-stressful way. It involves a step-by-step process where children are gradually exposed to new foods through activities like touching, smelling, and eventually tasting them. The goal is to make mealtimes less stressful and more enjoyable for both children and their families.

However, while the SOS approach can be highly effective, it’s not always sufficient on its own. Some children may require additional interventions to address underlying issues that contribute to their feeding difficulties.

The Importance of Comprehensive Developmental Assessment

Before diving into the SOS Feeding approach, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of your child’s developmental skills. Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists play a vital role in this process. They assess various factors that could be impacting your child’s ability to eat, such as:

Oral-Motor Skills

Oral-motor skills involve the movement and coordination of the muscles in the mouth, lips, tongue, and jaw. If a child has difficulties in this area, they may struggle with chewing, swallowing, or even managing food in their mouth.

Sensory Processing

Children with sensory processing issues may have heightened or diminished responses to sensory input, which can include the textures, smells, and tastes of different foods. Understanding a child’s sensory preferences and sensitivities is key to creating a successful feeding plan.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Feeding also involves fine and gross motor skills. Fine motor skills are needed to handle utensils and bring food to the mouth, while gross motor skills help with maintaining posture during mealtimes. Any deficits in these areas can affect a child’s ability to eat independently.

Behavioural and Emotional Factors

Behavioural and emotional factors can significantly influence feeding. Anxiety, past negative experiences with food, or even behavioural disorders can contribute to feeding difficulties. Addressing these factors is essential for a holistic approach to feeding therapy.

Integrating Multiple Approaches for Effective Feeding Therapy

While the SOS approach provides a solid foundation, it’s important to recognise that not all children need all the steps in the program. Some children may progress quickly through certain stages, while others may get stuck and require additional support.

Personalised Feeding Plans

At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we develop personalised feeding plans that draw from multiple approaches to address each child’s unique needs. Here’s how we do it:

1. Combining the SOS Approach with Developmental Interventions

Our Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists work on improving the child’s oral-motor, sensory, and motor skills either before starting the SOS program or concurrently. This ensures that the child has the foundational skills needed to benefit fully from the SOS approach.

2. Behavioural Interventions

If a child does not try new foods after being systematically exposed to them through the SOS method, a behavioural approach may be necessary. Behavioural interventions involve setting specific goals, using positive reinforcement, and gradually shaping the child’s eating behaviour. This can include techniques like:

• Desensitisation: Gradually increasing a child’s tolerance to new foods by pairing them with positive experiences.
• Modelling: Demonstrating eating behaviours and encouraging the child to imitate them.
• Reward Systems: Using incentives to motivate the child to try new foods.

3. Creating a Supportive Environment

We also focus on creating a supportive and stress-free mealtime environment. This can involve:

• Family Involvement: Educating and involving parents and siblings in the feeding process to create a positive and supportive atmosphere.
• Mealtime Routines: Establishing consistent and predictable mealtime routines to help reduce anxiety and build positive associations with eating.
• Flexibility and Patience: Encouraging flexibility and patience, recognising that progress can be slow and non-linear.

4. Monitoring and Adjusting the Plan

Regular monitoring and adjustments to the feeding plan are essential to ensure its effectiveness. Our team continuously evaluates the child’s progress and makes necessary modifications to the approach, ensuring that it remains tailored to the child’s evolving needs.

Why Choose OneOnOne Children’s Therapy?

At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we are committed to providing the highest quality care for children with feeding difficulties. Our multidisciplinary team of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Certified ESDM Therapists, and Psychologists work collaboratively to deliver comprehensive and individualised therapy.

Serving Families Across Sydney

Our clinics in Bondi Junction and Mascot are designed to offer a nurturing and supportive environment for children and their families. We understand that feeding difficulties can be a source of stress and anxiety for parents, and we are here to provide the support and guidance you need.

We’re Here to Support You

If you’re concerned about your child’s picky eating habits or want to learn more about how a comprehensive, personalised approach to feeding therapy can help, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here for you. For more information on feeding issues and our feeding clinics, we have our blog. There is information and tips that will interest you.

Contact Us Today

Call our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics at (02) 8065 7837 or email us. You can also book a free 30-minute phone call to discuss how we can support your child’s unique feeding journey.

Take the first step towards happier and healthier mealtimes. Contact us today and see how we can make a difference!