Picky Eating Support Resources
What is Picky Eating?
A different relationship with food and eating
Picky eating happens when a person avoids certain foods, only eats a narrow range of meals, or strongly reacts to certain textures, smells, or tastes. While it’s common in young children, it can also continue into teenage or adult years and may cause stress during family mealtimes or social situations. Picky eating isn’t just being “fussy” or stubborn. It’s often linked to sensory sensitivities, anxiety, medical issues, or past negative experiences with food. With understanding and gentle support, people can feel safer and more confident exploring new foods at their own pace.
Picky eating looks different for everyone
Some people avoid entire food groups or refuse to try new foods. Others may only eat foods with specific textures, colours, or brands. Strong reactions like gagging, nausea, or anxiety can occur when presented with certain foods. Medical conditions (like reflux or allergies) can make eating certain foods uncomfortable or painful. No two people experience picky eating in the same way. Understanding their individual needs is the first step toward making mealtimes calmer and more positive.
Support should make eating safe, not stressful
Forcing, bribing, or shaming someone to eat doesn’t work and can make food aversions stronger. Real support involves creating a safe environment, understanding sensory needs, and gradually building comfort around new foods without pressure. With patience and structured guidance, eating can become less stressful, more enjoyable, and healthier for the individual and their family.
Championing People with Picky Eating
We help children, teens, and adults who struggle with picky eating by making mealtimes calmer and helping them feel safe to explore food in ways that respect their needs and comfort levels.
Understanding the reasons for picky eating
We look at sensory sensitivities, medical issues, anxiety, and past food experiences to understand why eating feels hard.
Supporting sensory needs during meals
We adapt food textures, utensils, and seating to reduce discomfort and make eating easier and more enjoyable.
Creating safe and predictable mealtime routines
We help set up structured, low-pressure environments that make eating feel less overwhelming.
Collaborating with dietitians and feeding specialists
We work with healthcare professionals to ensure nutritional needs are met safely and effectively.
Gradually introducing new foods
We use gentle, step-by-step approaches to build tolerance and confidence without forcing or rushing progress.
Helping families reduce mealtime stress
We guide carers in responding calmly, avoiding power struggles, and making mealtimes positive for everyone involved.
How we can help with Picky Eating
Whole Family Developmental Support →
Coaching for families to reduce mealtime stress and pressure
Practical tools for introducing variety in a safe, supported way
Guidance for carers to understand sensory and emotional triggers
Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →
Assessments to understand feeding difficulties and sensory sensitivities
Recommendations for dietetic and therapeutic supports
NDIS planning for feeding interventions and meal preparation skills
Skill-Building and Feeding Support →
Coaching for step-by-step introduction of new foods and textures
Structured feeding programs with visual aids and routines
Activities to improve oral-motor skills and self-feeding independence
Positive Behaviour Support →
Behaviour plans addressing avoidance of certain foods
Strategies to encourage safe food exploration without force
Training for educators and carers to support positive eating habits
Psychology and Mental Health →
Therapy for managing anxiety or past negative experiences with food
Support for building confidence and emotional safety around mealtimes
Strength-based approaches to reduce fear and build trust with eating
Regional Intensives →
In-home support for feeding challenges in remote communities
Hands-on training for families to use feeding tools and techniques
Collaboration with local therapists and dietitians for ongoing support
Say G’day today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.
Hear it from real families
“Before we understood what was really going on for J, every day felt like a struggle. Our support workers were doing their best, but nothing seemed to click. It often felt like we were all trying to push J into doing things, and the more we pushed, the more he shut down.
When Brooke and her team explained Autism & PDA to us, it was like someone finally turned the light on. We realised he wasn’t being difficult, he was doing everything he could to feel safe and in control.
With Brooke’s help, our whole approach changed. His support workers stopped trying to force things and started meeting him where he’s at by giving him time, space, and choices.
Now, J’s so much more relaxed. He actually wants to spend time with his workers because they see him for who he is. He laughs more, joins in on his own terms, and doesn’t feel like he has to mask or meet anyone else’s expectations.
It’s been incredible to watch him grow into himself, just by being accepted”
- J’s Mum
*Story and photo shared with permission. Not for reproduction.
Real people. Real experience.
Here for you.
We’re not just professionals — we’re people who get it.
Our team is proudly autistic-led, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience. We’ve sat on both sides of the table — as clinicians, as family members, and many of us as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.
We understand that life isn’t always neat or easy, and behaviour support should never feel like a judgement or try to change who you are.