Links to other resources
Overview
This section provides a collection of resources designed to support parents, educators, and caregivers in helping children with their eating and drinking habits. These resources include practical tools, games, and guidance that address various aspects of food exploration, sensory play, and healthy eating. Below are some key resources to explore:
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Games Linked to the Eatwell Guide (age 5+):
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Additionally, explore resources on sitting positions and posture for feeding and eating, provided by NHS Cambridgeshire’s Children’s Occupational Therapy: Sitting Position and Posture.
For those interested in messy play, Play Scotland offers a range of free booklets that can be adapted to meet class needs: Messy & Creative Play.
A valuable resource for sensory food education is TasteEd, based on the Sapere method. TasteEd provides a range of lesson plans and activities tailored to the UK curriculum, promoting the ethos of ‘No-one has to like, and no-one needs to try’. They offer fully funded access for UK primary and nursery schools, along with a training video for educators. An example lesson plan for exploring apples can be found here: Looking at Apples - Lesson Plan. For more information, visit the website: Taste Education.
PICA
PICA is when children eat things that aren't food, like dirt, clay, chalk, or paper. It's more common in autistic children, who may not react normally to certain textures or tastes. You can find out more about PICA here. For children with PICA, it's very important to watch what they have access to and keep their environment safe. Autistic children may not be able to tell the difference between what’s edible and what’s not, especially if they're not being closely watched. Schools need to make sure that everything used in activities is safe to eat or touch, and not small enough to be swallowed. It's also a good idea to regularly check their surroundings for anything that might be harmful if eaten. Children who like to explore with their mouth and repeatedly eat non-food items will need support and calm redirection to use safer textures which meet their sensory needs. A purpose-made sensory chew tool (or ‘chewy’) of the right shape, density and texture may work as a substitute for some children. In some instances, the use of a chewy can support engagement and participation when previously disrupted by PICA behaviours. Always discuss the proposed use of any alternatives with the family first as not all strategies will be safe, suitable or culturally acceptable.
Constipation
Constipation in children is a common issue and refers to infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools. It can be caused by a range of factors. For autistic children, sensory issues related to the texture or taste of foods can result in limited dietary preferences, often leading to insufficient fibre intake, which can worsen constipation. Constipation can impact a child’s ability and willingness to eat, further adding to the problem. ERIC (The Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity) provides extensive resources on managing conditions like constipation. Their website includes helpful printables that can be shared with your school staff. You can visit the ERIC website here.