Feeding Does Matter

In this episode of Feeding Does Matter, host Jaclyn Pederson speaks with Denise Hoffman, a mother and occupational therapist, about her personal journey with feeding challenges faced by her son, who was born premature and is now 24 years old. They discuss the impact of personal experience on professional practice, supporting a young adult navigating  the complexities of feeding disorders and mental health challenges, and the need for advocacy and self-advocacy.

In this special one-year anniversary episode of Feeding Matters, hosts Jaclyn Pederson and Hayley Estrem celebrate one year of impactful conversations centered around patient and family-centered care in the context of feeding differences and disorders. They are joined by leaders from the Family-Centered PFD Research Consortium to discuss the consortium's formation, the importance of lived experiences in research, and the collaborative efforts to prioritize research that truly reflects the needs of families. The episode highlights the challenges faced in healthcare systems, the emotional journey of research prioritization, and the future direction of the consortium as they aim to redefine care practices and ensure that families are at the forefront of research initiatives.

Host Jaclyn Pederson speaks with Dr. Lisa Bienstock, a pediatric dentist and event chair for Feeding Matters' upcoming Feed the Cause signature event and fundraiser. They discuss the importance of positive dental experiences for children, especially those with feeding differences. Dr. Bienstock shares her journey into pediatric dentistry, emphasizing the need for early dental visits and collaboration among healthcare professionals.

In this episode, guest Talia Laughter has a heartfelt conversation about her family's journey with feeding challenges, particularly focusing on her daughter who was born with Down syndrome. Talia recounts the struggles they faced, including hospitalizations, feeding therapy, and the importance of advocacy and community support.

Guest Dr. Amy Delaney shares insights on texture analysis and the development of a texture framework to standardize feeding assessment practices. Dr. Delaney also discusses the importance of research in understanding feeding development, the need for normative data in the field, and the significance of guidelines for caregivers and pediatricians.

Dr. Jeanne Marshall, a speech pathologist and researcher specializing in pediatric feeding disorders, discusses her journey into the field, her work at the Tucker Box Feeding Research Lab, and the various research projects aimed at improving preventative care and diagnostics in pediatric feeding disorders. The discussion also highlights the importance of family-centered research, the challenges of implementing research findings into practice, and the need for clearer guidelines in the field. 

Hosts Jaclyn Pederson and Hayley Estrem reflect on the live event for the Feeding & Eating Psychology Summit, discussing key takeaways such as, the need for individualized care, and the significance of language in treatment. They emphasize breaking down silos between different fields and fostering community engagement to improve research and support for families. The discussion also touches on ethical considerations in feeding care and the necessity of looking beyond traditional growth metrics to assess children's feeding development.

Missed the live Summit? You can still register and access every session and lived experience presentations on-demand Sept 8-Oct 31. Eligible on-demand attendees can earn 6.5 hours of continuing education credit. Register

2025 Psych Summit Session: Reduction in Feeding Problems Following a 12-Week Interdisciplinary Group Feeding Intervention presented by Olivia Hsin, PhD; Ayala Ben-Tall, PhD.

During this Psych Summit Session Sneak Peek episode of Feeding Does Matter, Olivia Hsin and Ayala Ben-Tall discuss feeding psychology and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.

On August 22, the Feeding + Eating Psychology Summit: PFD & ARFID Evidence-based Interventions for Key Developmental Stages explores psychological management strategies for PFD and ARFID across developmental stages. Experts will present evidence-based interventions or concepts tailored to key stages in a child’s development, highlighting how feeding skill development and cognitive maturity influence treatment planning. Through lived experience interviews and a facilitated Q&A, participants will gain deeper insight into how psychological approaches must adapt as feeding abilities and cognitive function evolves over time. Learn More

2025 Psych Summit Session: Food Allergy and ARFID: An underrecognized clinical complication and conceptual treatment framework presented by Kaitlin B. Proctor, PhD, ABPP.

During this Psych Summit Session Sneak Peek episode of Feeding Does Matter, Kaitlin Proctor discusses the complexities of feeding issues, particularly in relation to ARFID and food allergies.

On August 22, the Feeding + Eating Psychology Summit: PFD & ARFID Evidence-based Interventions for Key Developmental Stages explores psychological management strategies for PFD and ARFID across developmental stages. Experts will present evidence-based interventions or concepts tailored to key stages in a child’s development, highlighting how feeding skill development and cognitive maturity influence treatment planning. Through lived experience interviews and a facilitated Q&A, participants will gain deeper insight into how psychological approaches must adapt as feeding abilities and cognitive function evolves over time. Learn More

2025 Psych Summit Micro Keynotes: Preparing for NICU Discharge presented by Vincent C. Smith, MD, MPH, and First Things First in Feeding Therapy: Prioritizing Curiosity and Safety presented by Marsha Dunn Klein, OTR/L, MEd FAOTA.

During this Psych Summit Session Sneak Peak episode of Feeding Does Matter, Vincent C. Smith and Marsh Dunn Klein discuss the importance of NICU discharge preparation and respecting the “no” in mealtime interactions.

On August 22, the Feeding + Eating Psychology Summit: PFD & ARFID Evidence-based Interventions for Key Developmental Stages explores psychological management strategies for PFD and ARFID across developmental stages. Experts will present evidence-based interventions or concepts tailored to key stages in a child’s development, highlighting how feeding skill development and cognitive maturity influence treatment planning. Through lived experience interviews and a facilitated Q&A, participants will gain deeper insight into how psychological approaches must adapt as feeding abilities and cognitive function evolves over time. Learn More