Course Outline

• This session will provide an introduction to complex feeding challenges in children, such as Autism, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) & Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD). Participants will understand the difference between problem eating and picky eating also.

• Teachers & SNAs attending will gain an insight into the sensory, motor, medical, and neurological reasons why some children struggle with food.

• The session will also provide an introduction on how to help these children feel supported with their eating at school-what to do and what not to do.

• We will also touch on the role of regulation, routine, and predictability in feeding success.

Facilitator Bio

Teresa is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist with 17 years' experience, spanning across inpatient and community settings in Ireland and Australia. She has been fortunate to work with a diverse range of paediatric clients, including early intervention, brain injury rehabilitation, physical disability and Autism services. Whilst working at the Central Remedial Clinic in Clontarf, Teresa worked with the National Specialist Feeding Service. Whilst in post, she was the Occupational Therapist who co-established the Complex Feeding Clinic, which captured a previously unmet need of supporting children and families with presentations such as ARFID & Paediatric Feeding Disorder. 

Teresa now owns two private Occupational Therapy clinics. In 2024, she established The Feeding Therapist, a specialist service for children and families with complex feeding presentations. She is passionate about working in and promoting awareness of this highly specialised area of OT practice. She sits on a number of international feeding committees and regularly contributes to the national media. She is a guest lecturer at both TCD and UCD.