As a pediatric OT & feeding specialist, I knew that the issues weren’t just about food but also had to do with sensory regulation and confidence with new textures 📝 The strategies I used: 1️⃣ Before meals, we did deep pressure activities and provided oral sensory input to desensitize the gag reflex. 2️⃣ Started with thicker purées and then we introduced soft and uniform solids like avocado + scrambled eggs. We gradually worked up to foods with slight texture variations. 3️⃣ We used play-based sensory activities like dry pasta bins + damn sand to improve tactile tolerance. We eventually got her touching sticky textures like pudding and finger paints! 4️⃣ I coached her parents to model touching and exploring food themselves and to keep mealtimes fun and pressure-free. We also used spoons, tongs, and playful food interactions to build confidence. 5️⃣ We used resistive foods like dried fruit strips and crunchy veggie sticks, along with straw and whistle play, to support chewing skills. What happened: 💡 Over time, she became more willing to explore new textures first by touching them, then eventually eating them! Her gagging and refusal decreased and she even started engaging in messy play more willingly. When a child shows resistance to textures, it isn’t just about food. It’s also about how they process sensory input across their *whole* body. If this sounds like your child, just know that progress is possible with the right approach! And if you need help/have questions, just let me know 🫶🏼 pickyeaters