There is no one way to eat.
Does this sound like you?
"If my safe foods aren't readily available, I'll just not eat."
"Mealtimes are stressful, and I'm exhausted trying to figure out how to make them better."
"Everyone has an opinion about what and how I “should” eat. No one’s bothered to figure out why eating is hard for me though."
"Most days I do well to eat anything at all. I need some help figuring out a system that works for me."
You don't have to eat like everyone else to have a good relationship with food.
How I work
Autistic and neurodivergent eating looks different for each person. I don't start with what or how you "should" eat. I start with you.
I look at what you need from a nutrition and oral motor standpoint. That includes sensory needs, chewing, and swallowing. I also ask what you want from food and mealtimes, as well as the various stressors that affect your appetite and daily life. Your answers shape the plan.
My goal is less stress for you and your family. I want you and the people who support you to feel confident in the eating plan that works for you individually. There is no one way for eating to look or feel.
I am Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding trained, but recognize that sensory and oral motor experiences are not the same and there is not one system for everyone. I’ve really valued learning from RDs for Neurodiversity and completed training with them on ARFID, feeding differences, and neurodivergence.
What this can look like
Your goals first: we decide together what a better mealtime means for you.
Sensory-informed support: a gentle look at how textures, tastes, smells, settings, and sensory inputs affect eating
Oral motor and swallowing skills: support when chewing or swallowing is part of the challenge.
Safe foods respected: we work with your safe foods, not against them.
Family and partner support: ideas for parents, caregivers, or partners to lower stress at the table.
Team coordination: I work with dietitians, physicians, psychologists, and occupational therapists when that would help.
Who this is for
This page is for tweens, teens, and young adults who have a hard time with eating, and for the families and partners who support them. Older adults are welcome if we are a good fit.
Where and how we meet
I come to you in the Kansas City metro. Meeting in your home can help, because I can see your real kitchen and your real routines. I also offer online sessions if you live in Kansas or Missouri. Online sessions can be direct, or I can coach a parent, caregiver, or partner.
In Missouri, I am in network with MO HealthNet, Home State Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Medicare. In Kansas, I am in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medicare. I also offer private pay.
Common questions
Do you work with picky eating, ARFID, or autistic eating?
Yes. I have training in ARFID, feeding differences, and neurodivergence. Every person is different, so we start with what you want and what your body/lifestyle needs.
Will you try to make me eat new foods?
I will never make you eat a food. I do not use behavior methods. If you want to widen the foods you eat, I can help with that. If you want less stress or a plan to stay nourished with the foods you already trust, we can do that. We decide together.
Do I need to see a doctor or dietitian too?
Sometimes, yes. If weight, growth, nutrition, or swallowing is a concern, I will suggest you talk to your doctor or a dietitian. I'm glad to work with them. Insurance often needs a doctor's referral for feeding services.
Ready to talk?
Your first step is a free consultation. There is no pressure and no commitment.