"Mealls Proposes Inclusive Dining Experience for All"
The Anderson Center for Autism has developed an innovative interdisciplinary program called MEALLS (Making Eating a Lifelong Learning Skill). This program aims to help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and feeding disorders cultivate a positive relationship with food, making dining enjoyable and inclusive for everyone.
MEALLS is based on the SOS Approach to Feeding and uses a 25-32 step process to build nutritious eating habits. The program emphasizes patience and taking each step at the child's pace, without making demands.
One of the key factors in helping children with autism develop connections to food is the relationship-building component of MEALLS. Encouraging children who have feeding disorders to sit with the family during meals, even if no food is eaten, is an important first step. As a child becomes more comfortable, the program encourages exploration with a fork or fingers, and eventually bringing food to the child's mouth, while maintaining a low-stress environment.
Interaction with food after meals, such as scraping food into the garbage, is also encouraged in the MEALLS program as a means of continued exposure. The food hierarchy is used to offer alternative, more nutrient-rich foods that are similar to what a child with autism already eats.
The MEALLS program lasts for 12 weeks and aims to help children with autism expand their food preferences. The Anderson Center for Autism offers private consultations and in-home training for implementing MEALLS strategies.
The Anderson Center for Autism, located in New York, provides educational, vocational, residential, and clinical services for individuals with autism. In addition to MEALLS, the center offers resources and assistance for families dealing with autism symptoms and feeding disorders. For more information, visit andersoncenterforautism.org.
The ultimate objective of MEALLS is to help children with autism take a bite of the same dinner as the rest of the family, leading to a smile from the parents. The program is part of the interdisciplinary services offered by the Anderson Center for Autism, and it emphasizes the importance of making mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free for both children and parents.
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