We’ve come to the end of our series and it’s always good to step back, and take stock particularly if you have been implementing changes to your dyspraxic child’s eating routine over several weeks. Take a look at your start point and where you are now (hindsight is a great thing) and see what your happy and unhappy with, what’s worked best/least and don’t be afraid to ditch what isn’t working.

And remember, Keep The Faith…Making the smallest of changes can make a Big Difference!

List of helping hand ideas

1. It’s worth noting snacking on the right foods to keep them feeling fuller is important. Carrying around some carrots, fruit, dry cereals, bread/pretzel sticks are very handy stop gaps. Also, offering a drink of water first to ensure its not thirst that’s the problem can help grazers and permanent kitchen pickers feel satisfied.
2. Or for dyspraxic children who have trouble with eating greens – try putting those greens on their favourite foods for instance spinach on pizza can be a novel way of getting around the problem.
3. Or pulping foods (particularly greens) in their favourite spaghetti bolognese can work very well too to disguise any “disliked” ingredients (particularly for younger dyspraxic children)
4. Trouble eating out – Google the restaurant/eatery with your child first looking at the menu in advance so he/she knows what to expect is a good way of agreeing a plan in advance. Also, ringing ahead for those really difficult sensitivities surrounding food (smells etc. from the kitchen) and check that there’s a suitable children menu where sauces can be left on the side and food can be served plain etc. can go a long way to a much more enjoyable time. Lastly, feeding smaller dyspraxic children in advance can relieve some of the pressure allowing them to play with their toys/gadgets and then offering snacking tasters from your plate and treat deserts can make for a much more pleasant family outing. Or for the older ones, try playing cards together in between wait times, particularly if it’s a busy restaurant.

For Your Sanity…

Don’t be afraid to ask for support and help from friends, family and loved ones (even if that involves a time out – pick meal times when/ if it’s the most stressful time of the day for you to escape and take the weight off).

Seek out group talks, medical or professional advice, do a little research, join a Dyspraxia support group.

Chat to other parents and mums of dyspraxic children – it doesn’t mean you have to divulge any specifics, just ask for help and ideas.

Useful Website Links

I sourced angled cups, 2 handled cups, indented forks, spoons and knives for steadying to cut food.

For crockery and cutlery try some of the following:

• www.assistireland.ie – provides information on products that enable someone with a disability to eat and drink more easily.
• www.amazon.co.uk – Three compartment reusable hard plastic divided plates.
• www.ikea.com – Great and super cheap options for browsing through!

Blog provided by the Irish Association of Dyspraxia as part of their Healthy Eating blog series.