# Exploring occupational therapy practice with children who are picky eaters and their families

## TL;DR

This study explores how occupational therapists in Australia tailor their interventions for children who are picky eaters and their families.

## Contribution

It is the first qualitative study to investigate occupational therapists' reasoning processes in this context.

## Key findings

- Occupational therapists use a complex reasoning process to tailor interventions for picky eaters.
- Key factors include understanding the 'why' behind picky eating and addressing it within the family context.
- The study highlights the importance of context in delivering effective interventions.

## Abstract

Picky eating is a complex phenomenon, impacting family routines and relationships. Occupational therapists often work with picky eaters and their families, yet little is understood about the occupational therapy process and reasoning in this context. This study was guided by the following research question: How do Australian occupational therapists choose and deliver interventions for children with picky eating and their families?

This qualitative interpretive descriptive study used in-depth semi-structured online interviews with 10 Australian-based occupational therapists working with children who are picky eaters. Data was analysed inductively following a thematic analysis process, and emergent themes were identified.

Participants indicated that they used a complex reasoning process, with ‘Tailoring Occupational Therapy for Picky Eating’ emerging as the central finding. Key factors underpinning these tailored interventions were finding the why; addressing the why; and practising within context.

To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study to investigate occupational therapists’ reasoning processes when working with families impacted by picky eating. Occupational therapists described the complexity of picky eating, and the subsequent reasoning to find suitable interventions. Findings may guide occupational therapists’ clinical practice when working with children with picky eating and their families.