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Feeding Therapy with the AEIOU Method – A Family-Centered Approach

Why Feeding Therapy Matters

Feeding difficulties are about more than just “picky eating.” They can affect nutrition, growth, sensory processing, and social participation.

The AEIOU Method in Action

At The Therapy Garden, we use the AEIOU framework for pediatric feeding therapy:

  • A = Acceptance: Meeting the child where they are.
  • E = Exposure: Gentle, repeated opportunities to try foods without pressure.
  • I = Interaction: Exploring foods through play, touching, smelling, and describing.
  • O = Observation: Modeling by parents, siblings, and therapists.
  • U = You: Empowering families to continue strategies at home.

Why Families Love This Approach

It’s not about forcing or bribing—it’s about creating positive, pressure-free experiences that build trust with food.

Takeaway: Feeding therapy rooted in acceptance and play leads to lasting change, healthier relationships with food, and less stress for families.

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Alena Kumta OTR/L

Alena Kumta MS, OTR/L is joyfully invested in supporting individuals & families in transforming —development, meaningful participation, confidence and connection —through play, child/individual-led interests, connection/shared joy, and seeing/embracing/supporting individual strengths & differences.

Alena has held a wide range of roles as an OT including mental health, early childhood intensive mental health, school-based, nature-based, early intervention, home health, inpatient, and outpatient/clinic based care. Alena has her masters in Occupational Therapy from Stockton University and a BFA in Fine Arts from School of Visual Arts NYC. 

Alena has advanced training in; DIR Floortime (proficient provider), emotional regulation, trauma informed care & ACEs, social emotional learning, sensory integration, feeding therapy, pediatric pelvic health, nature based therapy, and continues to learn and grow her skills. 

When she’s not enjoying her work as an OT- Alena  is spending time with her dog-Violet, being in nature, playing in the garden, foraging, making art, getting movement, helping at Ceto Coffee Roasters, and learning new things!

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