Many children, including those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, face challenges when discovering and adapting to new sensations and routines. This reluctance can stem from various factors, including fears, discomfort and sensory sensitivities.

To support caregivers as they help their children navigate these daily challenges, the EarlyBrain project has developed a series of storybooks that can help to increase the understanding of caregivers towards their children and provide strategies for empowering children. By normalising struggles and offering concrete solutions, these stories empower children and caregivers to manage transitions with confidence and care.

The story ‘Exquisitely Maria’ is one resource in a larger toolkit that supports parents and caregivers to understand and assist children with developmental disabilities in the process of adapting to sensory processing challenges related to food.

The story focuses on Maria who needs support transitioning to eating textured foods. With the support of a teacher and an occupational therapist, Maria gradually overcomes her food texture sensitivity. The key learning outcomes of this story are:

• Identifying sensory processing challenges related to food.
• Encouraging gradual exposure to new textures.
• Promoting peer support and inclusion.

• Demonstrating different learning styles and strategies.

To access the ‘Exquisitely Maria’ story in English, Italian, Spanish and French, click here.

Background

The EarlyBrain project aims to provide parents and relatives of children with developmental delays with specific knowledge and skills to promote the development of their children. It is characterised by a joint, transdisciplinary and coordinated action to understand the child from a biopsychosocial approach and to empower parents/caregivers. The project will promote good practice exchange and raise awareness on the need of early childhood interventions in line with the Child Guarantee, UNCRC and UNCRPD.