Eating and Feeding Matters: From Science to Strategies

Course Description: Eating and feeding are fundamental functions necessary for surviving and thriving. Many clients with neurodiversity and mental health issues experience profound disturbances in their participation in eating and feeding. Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Counselors, Behavioural Therapists and Nutritionists are team members who evaluate and enhance these functions, but sometimes struggle in seeing the integrated whole of the various complex factors contributing to the clients’ experiences.  This workshop is a cutting-edged compilation of research on the science of eating and feeding from a neurobiological/physiological perspective as it pertains to picky eating, eating disorders (ARFID, anorexia nervosa, bulimia), sensory issues, oral motor/pharyngeal issues and attachment. Trans-disciplinary research, assessment and intervention strategies will be presented and discussed. Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: • Understand the neurobiological and physiological underpinnings of eating and feeding • Describe how sensory processing issues impact eating, feeding and eating disorders • Observe the impact of attachment and goodness of fit between caregivers and individuals experiencing eating and feeding challenges • Evaluate basic postural and motor control challenges that are connected to eating, feeding and eating disorders • Begin to develop problem-solving skills to integrate multiple variables of needs to create individualized interventions for clients with eating and feeding challenges  Agenda: Segment #1 and #2 (90 minutes each) January 30th, 2021 (11am-12:30pm & 1:30pm-3pm) • Understand the neurobiological and physiological underpinnings of eating and feeding Segment #3 and #4 (90 minutes each) January 31st, 2021 (11am-12:30pm & 1:30pm-3pm) • Describe how sensory processing issues impact eating, feeding and eating disorders • Sensory Interventions for eating, feeding and eating disorders Segment #5 (90 minutes) February 6th, 2021 (11am-12:30pm) • Understand the impact of attachment and attunement on eating, feeding and eating disorders Segment #6 (90 minutes) February 6th, 2021 (1:30pm-3pm) • Observe goodness of fit between caregivers and children experiencing eating and feeding challenges Segment #7 (90 minutes) February 7th, 2021 (11am-12:30pm) • Understand the role of postural and motor control issues in eating, feeding and eating disorders Segment #8 (90 minutes) February 7th, 2021 (1:30pm-3pm) • Putting all the pieces together