Just Take a Bite (Paperback)

by Lori Ernsperger (Author), Tania Stegen-Hanson (Author), Temple Grandin (Foreword) "It's a typical night in the Jenson family..." (more)
Key Phrases: resistant eaters, food neophobia, eating continuum, Bite Art, Pre-Feeding Skills, Eating Try (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Is your child a "picky" eater or a full-fledged resistant eater? Does he or she eat only 3-20 foods, refusing all others? Eat from only one food group? Gag, tantrum, or become anxious if you introduce new foods? If so, you have a resistant eater. Learn the possible causes, when you need professional help, and how to deal with the behavior at home. Learn why "Don't play with your food!" and "Clean your plate!" - along with many other old saws - are just plain wrong. And who said you have to eat dessert last? Get ready to have some stereotypes shattered!

About the Author
Ernsperger has more than 17 years experience working in the public schools as a teacher, administrator and a behavioral consultant. She has had extensive training working with students who have behavior disorders, particularly those on the autism spectrum.

Stegen-Hanson has over 10 years experience in therapy, consultation and in-service training to school systems and private practices in South Africa and the USA. She is the owner of Achievement Therapy Center, a pediatric O.T. practice in Las Vegas, Nevada. She specializes in sensory integration therapy, oral-motor therapy, neuro-developmental therapy and feeding disorders.

Temple Grandin earned her Ph.D. in animal science from the University of Illinois, went on to become an associate professor at Colorado State University, and wrote two books on autism, including the seminal "Thinking in Pictures." One of the most celebrated -- and effective -- animal advocates on the planet, Grandin revolutionized animal movement systems and spearheaded reform of the quality of life for the world's agricultural animals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: Future Horizons; 1 edition (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932565124
• ISBN-13: 978-1932565126
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,389 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #2 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Personal Health > Children's Health > Eating Disorders
  #14 in	Books > Parenting & Families > Parenting > Health & Nutrition
  #50 in	Books > Parenting & Families > Special Needs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If only it were that simple a command - Just Take a Bite, June 26, 2005

By	Bonnie Sayers "autismfamily" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The cover of Just Take a Bite is adorable. My nine-year old son has severe autism, is non-verbal and has feeding deficits. For three years now he has been attending feeding therapy.

The chapter covering the stages of sensory development for eating was very informative. This is very similar to what has been utilized in the feeding therapy we attend on a weekly basis.

The case studies are highlighted in gray throughout the chapters. The ages range from babies through elementary age. Issues covered include steps to create a meal or snack schedule, awareness of movement, limited communication skills, vestibular movement, behavioral factors and visual stimuli.

Each chapter has a gray box with an exercise in eating, which are tips and guidelines for the specific area being discussed. There is a table listing textures with a description, example of foods with this texture and how the child can succeed with these textures.

You begin with three new foods to the child. The procedures and materials are all listed for the steps. The cue cards are in black and white and a bit advanced for my son. This is the perfect book for preschoolers and toddlers who are resistant eaters.

There are many activities for the preschool aged child to explore with a parent, teacher or therapist. The section on food jags is reassuring to parents.

This is a great first book to read in the area of eating issues. I wish this had been published several years earlier so we could have progressed quicker. If you think your child needs feeding therapy - Just Take a Bite should be read so you can start implementing these suggestions.

56 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Take A Bite, August 9, 2004

By	Joanne Goldberg Pace - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Just Take A Bite is a fabulous book for parents and caregivers dealing with children who are problem eaters. It dispels the common myth that all children will eat when hungry, and clearly describes how certain environmental problems, physical problems, and sensory problems may hinder a child's eating. The explanations of these underlying issues are thorough and understandable. Practical solutions are provided with remarkably clear instructions as to implementing these strategies on your own. I highly recommend this book for parents whose mealtimes have been negatively affected by a child's behavior.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific solutions guide for helping kids with food aversions and challenging eating behaviors, March 15, 2006

By	Ann Douglas "pregnancy/parenting author" (Peterborough, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book came highly recommended to me by a friend who works with children who have a variety of different special needs. She pointed out that it picks up where a lot of books about eating challenges and "picky eating" behaviors leave off, dealing with the child whose food repertoire may consist of two or three foods; and who may be facing significant physical/behavioral or other challenges that interfere with the process of eating.

I was immediately impressed by the book because it was so detailed and solutions-oriented. Not only do the authors present practical tips, ideas, and solutions that apply to specific situations: they include case studies that show how families can apply them. The book also includes helpful illustrations designed to help parents understand the postural control and other body exercises that are explained in the text. Highly recommended.