Just Take a Bite

Is your child a “picky” eater or a full-fledged resistant eater? Does he or she eat only 3-20 foods, refusing all others? Eat from only one food group? Gag, tantrum, or become anxious if you introduce new foods? If so, you have a resistant eater. Learn the possible causes, when you need professional help, and how to deal with the behavior at home. Learn why “Don’t play with your food!” and “Clean your plate!”—along with many other old saws—are just plain wrong. And who said you have to eat dessert last? Get ready to have some stereotypes shattered!

Is your child a “picky” eater or a full-fledged resistant eater? Does he or she eat only 3-20 foods, refusing all others? Eat from only one food group? Gag, tantrum, or become anxious if you introduce new foods? If so, you have a resistant eater. Learn the possible causes, when you need professional help, and how to deal with the behavior at home. Learn why “Don’t play with your food!” and “Clean your plate!”—along with many other old saws—are just plain wrong. And who said you have to eat dessert last? Get ready to have some stereotypes shattered!

Lori Ernsperger, PhD, has more than twenty years of experience working in the public schools as a teacher, administrator, and behavioral consultant. She has had extensive training working with students who have behavior disorders, particularly those on the autism spectrum. Having earned her PhD in Special Education from Indiana University, Dr. Ernsperger has put her research and behavioral expertise to work in a variety of teaching, therapy, and behavior consultant roles. She currently serves as a private autism and behavioral consultant, and lives with her husband Tom and two children, Jessica and Ben, in Henderson, Nevada.