The Gathering for Grandparents Lunch – Common Eating and Feeding Challenges in ASD
May 11 @ 9:45 am - 1:15 pm
Held each Spring and Fall, Community Autism Resources’ Grandparents’ Lunch offers grandparents the opportunity to hear professionals in the autism field share information on important topics related to ASD. More importantly it offers them the chance to meet and chat with others who understand the unique joys and challenges that they as grandparents share.
By popular demand, the topic for the Spring Lunch is: Common Eating and Feeding Challenges in ASD
Our speakers will be Tracy L. Lancellotta, OTA and Kimberly Mulcahy MS, CCC-SLP
Talk Description: Nutrition is a necessity for a child’s growth and wellbeing. For children on the Autism spectrum eating can be especially challenging, causing frustration and concern for many families and caregivers. There are several factors that can cause these difficulties such as poor motor control, muscle tone, sensory challenges, rigidity or behavioral issues, food allergies and even communication.
Tracy and Kimberly will share basic knowledge of what these challenges look like and how to best support your grandchildren with ASD during mealtimes. This will be a fun and engaging conversation with real life examples. Participants will walk away with a better understanding of eating and feeding challenges and how you can support your grandchild in their nutrition journey.
Our luncheon will be: A salad buffet with grilled steak, soup and chef’s choice of dessert!
Space is limited.
Schedule for the day
9:45 – 10:15 AM Check-in & talk with your seatmates
10:20 – 11:50 Presentation with Q&A
12:00 – 1:15 Buffet Luncheon, giveaways and meet and chat with our speaker!
About the Speakers:
Tracy L. Lancellotta, OTA: I am a certified Occupational therapist assistant licensed in both Ma and RI specializing in pediatrics. I have been working for South Coast Educational Collaborative for over 24 years. My students range in age from 3-22 with the majority of them ages 3-12. I have many students with varying feeding needs which range from sensory disorders to poor oral motor planning. I help assess each student for safety and equipment needs as well as any sensory complications that may make mealtimes a struggle.
Kimberly Mulcahy MS, CCC-SLP: I am a Speech and Language Pathologist who has been working with South Coast Educational Collaborative for over 14 years. My specialty is in pediatrics, and I work with students with varying ranges of abilities, the majority of them between the ages of 3-18. Feeding is one of my areas of specialty. I service many students with varying feeding needs which range from sensory disorders to proper motor planning. We offer a number of accommodations and supports during mealtimes to ensure they are safe and enjoyable.