Many caregivers wonder whether their child’s feeding challenges, sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation difficulties, or communication differences are simply a phase — or signs that additional support may help.
The truth is that every child develops differently. Some children are naturally cautious with new foods, sensitive to textures, or slower to warm up to change. However, when challenges begin impacting daily routines, mealtimes, participation, learning, or family stress levels, it may be helpful to explore additional support.
For autistic children, feeding challenges are often more complex than “picky eating.” Some children may become overwhelmed by textures, smells, temperatures, or the appearance of foods. Others may struggle with flexibility, transitions, communication, motor coordination, or emotional regulation during mealtimes. Feeding difficulties can also overlap with sensory processing differences, oral motor challenges, anxiety, or rigid routines.
Caregivers may also notice additional signs such as:
- Limited food variety
- Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
- Sensory sensitivities to sound, movement, clothing, or textures
- Delayed communication or difficulty expressing needs
- Repetitive play or behaviors
- Big emotional reactions or difficulty regulating emotions
- Challenges with social interaction or peer engagement
These differences do not automatically mean a child is autistic, but they may indicate that additional evaluation or support could be beneficial.
At Handprints Therapies, we believe children often benefit most when providers collaborate closely. Our interdisciplinary model brings together ABA, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy under one roof to support the whole child — not just one area of development.
For example:
- Occupational Therapy may help address sensory processing and feeding sensitivities
- Speech Therapy may support communication, oral motor skills, and feeding
- Physical Therapy may support posture, coordination, and body awareness
- ABA may help support flexibility, participation, routines, communication, emotional regulation, and daily life skills
By working collaboratively, our teams can better understand the “why” behind behaviors and create individualized support plans that are compassionate, relationship-based, and regulation-focused.
Most importantly, caregivers do not need to have all the answers before reaching out for support. Families can begin certain therapy services even without a diagnosis, and our team is always happy to help guide caregivers through next steps, resources, and options available for their child and family.
Every child deserves the opportunity to feel supported, understood, and successful in their daily life.
About Handprints Therapies
Handprints Therapies is an interdisciplinary pediatric clinic serving families across the Denver metro area. Our team specializes in supporting children with autism, sensory processing challenges, and developmental delays through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. We partner closely with caregivers to build confidence, emotional regulation, and practical routines that carry over from the clinic to home.
Locations in Lakewood and Greenwood Village.
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