Tag: Sensory processing

According to studies, up to 50% of children exhibit picky eating behaviors at some point, and for many, this is a normal developmental phase. However, the reasons behind persistent or severe food selectivity can be complex, involving a mix of genetic, sensory, psychological, and environmental factors that shape our dietary preferences and aversions from a young age.

According to a 2025 article in India Today, a diet of eating the same meal every day, known as a monotrophic diet, is a trend followed by some celebrities for weight loss, but it is not a sustainable or healthy long-term approach. However, eating the same foods repeatedly can stem from many other factors, ranging from simple preference to complex neurological conditions.

Studies indicate that up to 50% of children are perceived by their parents as picky eaters at some point in their childhood. Moving past the notion of willful fussiness, understanding what causes someone to be a picky eater involves a complex interplay of genetic, sensory, developmental, and environmental influences that affect people of all ages.

Approximately 1 in 20 adults experience symptoms consistent with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), indicating a significant need for effective self-regulation strategies. For those individuals, a sensory diet can provide a structured approach to managing sensory input throughout the day and achieving an optimal state of alertness and calm.

Studies have shown that repeated, non-pressured exposure to new foods can significantly increase a person's acceptance and liking of that food over time. This is a promising indication for anyone asking, "Can I train myself to like a food?" and wanting to broaden their culinary horizons.

According to research, the act of eating foods with a satisfying crunch can actually help reduce stress because it provides an outlet for physical tension. For many, the urge to bite into something loud and crispy goes beyond simple hunger, pointing to deeper psychological and physiological signals that the body is sending. Understanding what does it mean when you crave crunch can be the first step toward managing this impulse with greater awareness and insight.

According to a 2019 study, approximately 70% of children with an autism spectrum diagnosis experience food aversions and restricted diets, which often include what is known as a beige diet. This eating pattern involves a high preference for bland, predictably colored foods, presenting unique challenges for families and requiring a sensitive, informed approach.

Based on decades of clinical experience and evidence-based research, the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding is an effective, non-invasive method for helping children with feeding difficulties. This transdisciplinary program focuses on the 'whole child' to address the root causes of problematic eating behaviors, which are rarely simply behavioral.

Research suggests that between 70% and 90% of individuals with autism experience sensory-related eating issues, often leading to a focus on what are common hyperfixation foods. These food preferences are not mere quirks but are rooted in a complex interplay of sensory processing, dopamine seeking, and executive function challenges.

According to a 2024 study involving over 2,400 pairs of twins, genetics accounts for a significant portion—up to 83%—of the picky eating trait in humans. This groundbreaking research offers compelling evidence that our discerning palates are not just a matter of choice but are deeply rooted in our biology, influenced by a complex interplay of evolutionary history, psychological factors, and our innate sensory experiences.