'It’s Like I Witnessed a Miracle': How One Family Found Hope Through Feeding Therapy
Alexis Irazoque, M.S., CCC-SLP
As a baby, Connor was an adventurous eater. His grandma, once a chef featured in the LA Times, would lovingly prepare a variety of foods, and Connor happily tried them all. But everything changed just after he turned 2 years old.
Connor suddenly started refusing foods he once enjoyed. He stopped drinking milk and would only eat plain vanilla yogurt. Crunchy foods like cereal and chips became his comfort zone, and just about everything else caused tears and panic.
At first, his mother, Manila, thought maybe Connor was just being picky. After all, kids go through food phases, right? “But this was different,” she explained. “There was something repulsive about foods—there was sheer panic in his eyes.”
As a mom, Manila tried everything. Online research. Sensory bins. Multiple pediatricians. But instead of getting answers, she got advice that didn’t feel right, like “just let him starve” or “he’ll grow out of it.”
“I felt like I had exhausted all options,” Manila said. There was so much guilt and confusion. She just wanted to understand—why was Connor rejecting food? What was wrong?
Then she found Expressable.
Expert feeding support for kids
Feeding therapy helps make mealtimes safer and more positive. Our feeding program supports your family from the comfort of your home.
Get startedUnderstanding sensory feeding disorder
What Connor was experiencing wasn’t just typical “picky eating.” It was a sensory feeding disorder, where certain tastes, smells, textures, or even the sight of food can cause overwhelming discomfort or fear. This kind of sensory aversion can develop in children suddenly or gradually, and it’s often misunderstood.
So why was Connor rejecting food? It’s a question many parents ask when their child suddenly begins to refuse foods they once loved. Sometimes, a sensory feeding disorder begins early, even during infancy, starting with difficulties drinking from a bottle and continuing into solid foods. Other times, it emerges later, possibly triggered by fear, anxiety, or discomfort.
Children may be afraid of how a food will taste, have negative memories associated with eating, or worry about getting sick. In some cases, medical issues like constipation or allergies may be linked to their avoidance. When this type of sensory aversion appears, the support of a feeding therapist can make all the difference.
Starting feeding therapy with Expressable
In July 2024, Connor began feeding therapy with speech-language pathologist Madison (Maddie) Kim, M.A., CCC-SLP. At the time, he was 5 years old and had extreme oral aversion. Even being in the same room as certain foods triggered intense fear.
“Going out to eat as a family was impossible,” Manila said. “We couldn’t have dinner with friends or eat anything different around him without a meltdown.”
But when Connor met Maddie, something changed.
“Something clicked when Connor met Miss Maddie,” Manila said. “He felt safe with her.”
A lighthearted, no-pressure approach
Maddie took a play-based approach with Connor. Feeding therapy focused on keeping things light and pressure-free. Together, they explored foods in a fun, silly way, through touching the food, playing with it, and preparing to try it.
“He used to panic if food even touched his hands,” Maddie said. “Now he can sit with new foods, talk about them, and even try them!”
Connor’s progress was steady and inspiring. He began accepting different textures, temperatures, and even brands of food. He started talking about what he liked and didn’t like. And his mom learned how to continue the work at home, with zero pressure and lots of support.
“Since the new year, the floodgates have flung wide open!” Manila said with a smile.
On April 8, 2025, Connor ate two chicken drumsticks—a moment his family will never forget. And recently, during a trip to Iceland, he willingly tried new Icelandic snacks.
“It’s night and day,” Maddie said. Connor can now feed himself and meet his nutritional needs. And his family can finally go to restaurants without fear or stress.
Quick demo: Try this with your picky eater
Watch hereSupport for the whole family
Feeding challenges can bring up a lot of big emotions for families: guilt, worry, and frustration, just to name a few. Maddie helped Manila navigate these feelings with honesty and encouragement.
“There’s so much parent guilt in this process,” Maddie said. “But this wasn’t something the family could’ve ‘fixed’ alone. They needed support, and they were open and consistent every step of the way.”
“This wasn’t something the family could’ve ‘fixed’ alone. They needed support.”
For Manila, Expressable was more than just a feeding therapy service. It was a lifeline.
“I just can’t sing Expressable’s praises enough,” she said. “I used to be so worried about Connor’s nutrition. Now I feel so relieved.”
She also shared how much she appreciates the convenience of online feeding therapy. “Connor focuses so well with virtual therapy. It’s comfortable for him. And it means we get access to Maddie’s expertise, no matter where we are.”
‘He’s a different kid’
Today, Connor is a thriving (almost) 7-year-old who’s willing to try “grown-up foods” and enjoys meals with his family. “He’s a different kid,” Manila said. “It’s like I witnessed a miracle.”
Connor also has big dreams for the future. “Right now—and for the last few years—he says he wants to be a doctor,” his mom shared. “He’s deeply interested in human anatomy and physiology. He’s always insisted on having medical books, medical-related toys, and models of the human body that he can take apart. He loves watching videos about the human body. My husband and I are constantly learning from Connor!”
Thanks to Connor’s hard work, his family’s commitment, and the support of his feeding therapist, what once felt impossible is now their everyday reality.
Let Expressable support you, too!
If you’re concerned about your child’s feeding skills or nutritional intake, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Get started today—we’re here to help your child and family every step of the way!
This story and photo were published with permission from the client's family.
