Services
Support for autistic children
At Chew and Chat we use a neuroaffirming approach. Whether the work is feeding, language, or AAC, we follow your child’s lead. Comfort and a feeling of security come first.
Communication
We use sensory strategies learned alongside occupational therapists: a calm room, attention to sound, less harsh light, movement, and deep pressure when those inputs settle a child’s nervous system. We want to work with your child’s OT so we use what already helps them.
We use a total communication approach. Speech, gestures, and AAC are all accepted. We teach children to advocate for their wants, needs, and sensory needs. To build engagement, we learn their special interests in detail.
Responsive feeding
We are careful about bodily autonomy. We use responsive feeding and teach families how to use it. It is a relationship-centred approach: a calm setting, pressure taken off the meal, and respect for the child’s body.
Many autistic children and adults have a small set of safe foods. A responsive approach often leads to more foods joining that set. Expanding the menu is not the main goal. The main goal is meals that are less stressful and more enjoyable for the whole family.
We sometimes see overstuffing, a preference for liquids or purees, or swallowing food whole. Hyposensitivity in the mouth can be one reason. We can coach a child to notice how they are eating and when a bite is chewed enough to swallow comfortably.