Hope Autism Services Hosts Successful Feeding Workshop Led by OT Specialist
On Saturday, May 31st, 2025, Hope Autism Services proudly hosted a highly anticipated Feeding Workshop at our Mississauga centre, led by our experienced and compassionate Occupational Therapist, Ms. Dima. The event brought together a wonderful group of parents and caregivers eager to learn strategies to support their children with autism, picky eating habits, and sensory feeding challenges.
Workshops like these are an essential part of our autism therapy programming, providing families with hands-on tools and evidence-based guidance tailored to their child’s unique needs.
Why Feeding Challenges Are Common in Children with Autism
Feeding issues are often seen in children on the autism spectrum. These challenges can include:
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Limited food variety (picky eating)
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Food aversions due to texture, color, or temperature
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Difficulty sitting through meals
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Sensory sensitivities around smells and sounds
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Behavioral resistance to trying new foods
Addressing these concerns early on through feeding therapy, a specialized area within occupational therapy for autism, can make a significant impact on a child’s nutritional well-being, independence, and quality of life.
What Parents Learned in the Feeding Workshop
During the two-hour session, Ms. Dima guided families through the following:
✅ Understanding the Why – Exploring the sensory, behavioral, and developmental reasons behind feeding challenges in children with autism
✅ Evidence-Based Tools and Strategies – Sharing practical approaches used in feeding therapy such as:
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Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach
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Food chaining to increase variety
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Visual schedules to support routine
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Positive reinforcement systems
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Desensitization techniques for textures and smells
✅ How to Build Positive Mealtime Routines – Tips on reducing stress, encouraging food exploration, and using functional communication tools during meals
✅ Parent Empowerment – Open discussion time for questions, concerns, and personalized advice from the therapist
The Power of Parent Education in Autism Therapy
This event reflected Hope Autism Services’ commitment to parent involvement in autism therapy, which is known to significantly improve outcomes for children. By equipping families with research-based tools and personalized strategies, we foster stronger partnerships between parents and professionals.
We also want to recognize the incredible dedication of our attendees. Your commitment to your child’s growth is inspiring. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing Hope Autism Services staff who ensured the session ran smoothly and created a welcoming space for all.
Looking Ahead: More Workshops and Parent Training Events
As part of our comprehensive approach to autism support services, Hope Autism Services regularly offers:
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Parent workshops and training
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ABA therapy
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Speech-language therapy
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Occupational therapy
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Social skills groups and life skills programs
📍 Located in Mississauga, we proudly serve families across Peel Region and the Greater Toronto Area. Whether your child is starting ABA therapy or you’re looking to build better mealtime routines, we’re here to support your journey.
Ready to Learn More?
If you missed this event but would like to attend future workshops or schedule an intake session, contact us today!
📞 Call: (416) 273-1222
📧 Email: reception@hopeautism.ca
🌐 Visit: www.hopeautism.ca
Let’s build mealtimes that feel safe, supported, and successful—one bite at a time.
expression for those who find verbal communication challenging. Developed with the ethos of applied behavior analysis, PECS is a beacon of hope, shedding light on the path to functional and effective communication.
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