Past Lunch and Learn's

Title: Early Childhood Feeding Struggles and Their Impact on the Family System

Devon Gere

Abstract: When a young child has difficulty eating, the family as a whole experiences stress and can struggle with how best to support their little ones. Feeding challenges can stem from a variety of sources - selectivity, sensory preferences, allergies or food sensitivities, oral aversion, oral-motor delays, or even a traumatic incident. Despite differences in origin, all of these challenges can benefit from feeding therapy strategies designed to increase comfort level with interacting with foods, much in the way phobias are addressed with systematic desensitization. This presentation aims to provide it's audience with an increased understanding of the various ways pediatric feeding difficulties can impact the family, who all may make up a feeding therapy team, and specific action steps that anyone from parents to professionals can incorporate when sitting down in front of food with a little one. 

Professional Bio:

Devon Gere is a pediatric occupational therapist with 10 years of experience working with children of all ages in settings such as early intervention, outpatient clinic, inpatient mental heath, and community outreach. She has a passion for putting the fun in functional skill building and a special spot in her heart for feeding therapy. She recognizes that feeding challenges can present stressors for the whole family and, as such, helps to empower all members of the family unit on this journey towards food freedom. She resides in Utah with her trusty side-pup, Cooper, and enjoys hiking and getting creative in the kitchen. 

Learning Objectives:

Following this presentation, attendees will be able to:

1. Understand multiple ways feeding challenges can impact the family
2. Identify various potential members of a feeding therapy team
3. Implement at least 3 different feeding therapy strategies

Please complete the form below. You will then be taken to a secure payment page at PayPal.com to check out.

There is no charge for UAIMH members. Please don't forget to check the member box. Members use the drop down option on the $20 payment line and choose other amount. 

Cost for non - members is $20. 

You will receive an email with the link for the Lunch and Learn after you register. If you have any questions please contact Janet Wade at janetewade@hotmail.com