We've been increasingly concerned about Anthony's lack of ability with actual solid food. His pediatrician was content to wait until a year, but I decided it was time for a referral to speech therapy.**The therapist called me back while we were in the car going to Yosemite last weekend. In addition to the food questions, she asked me about his babbling skills. I replied that he has the full range of "da-da, ba-ba, ma-ma, etc". Anthony heard me and of course started going through the whole repertoire. Christine's said that her next question was if he imitated, and she heard him do that!
Yesterday's appointment was quite helpful. A lot of what she said made sense with what we've seen. His lack of interest in "finger-painting" with his food, for example. She said there is a big correlation between texture on the hands and texture in the mouth. (Now, he is fine with smooth textured food.)
In any case, we're going for de-sensitization. Before meals he gets a nice scoop of goop on his tray to "finger-paint" with. Or eat. We're also expanding the finger-foods he gets on his tray to examine.
He also got two new toys: a chewy star that vibrates and a textured "food-stick". Anthony took an instant liking to the vibrating star. Essentially you can't get it out of his mouth.
The "food-stick" has textures at one end. You dip it in his favorite food so that he can get the idea of his favorite food with texture associated. Its on a stick so he can control the outcome. At Christine's office he enjoyed chewing on it, but no luck so far when there's food on it. We'll keep trying.
**Bob and I spent years in speech therapy. I'm moderately entertained that now its our son's turn!
1 comment:
That's come together quickly :) I hope he starts getting more comfortable with the whole idea of texture. And with his bathtime...poor boy
We made Ciaran throw up last night - I don't think he was ready for risotto!
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