On Demand

Crunchy, Smooth and Everything in Between: Autistic Perspectives on Food and Eating

with Laura Hellfeld, RN, MSN, PHN, CNL, Sleep Consultant


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In this 2 hour webinar, you will learn to:

  • Describe at least three ways autistic sensory, communication, and cognitive differences can influence food choices and eating patterns across settings.

  • Identify underlying factors (‘the why’) that may contribute to an autistic person’s eating behaviours using a strengths-based, neuroaffirming lens.

  • Explain how autistic lived experience and community perspectives can guide more respectful and effective feeding support in clinical, school, and home environments.

  • Apply at least two strategies for building collaborative, partnership-based support plans that honour an autistic person’s autonomy, communication style, and sensory needs.

  • Differentiate between behaviour-focused approaches and approaches rooted in understanding the individual’s experience, and justify the benefits of the latter for long-term wellbeing.

Now Available On Demand

What Other Learners Are Saying

"She was very authentic and genuinely insightful!" -OT

"I will use this course information for parent education, to take this perspective and to reframe intervention...especially thinking across settings" -SLP

Audience

This intermediate level course is appropriate for Pediatric dietitians, feeding therapists, OTs, SLPs, PTs, assistants, educators, early intervention providers, parents/caregivers, and other professionals (social workers, nurses, registered dietitians, etc.) working with children with feeding challenges. Please contact us at [email protected] with any needs regarding accommodations. 

CEU Info

Participants who fully attend the course and score 100% on the quiz will receive a certificate verifying 2 continuing education hours. This course fulfills ASHA’s Professional Development Hour requirements, which do not require prior ASHA approval (learn more about ASHA’s guidelines here). For Occupational Therapy practitioners, please check your specific state licensing board to determine how this activity applies to your state’s OT CEU guidelines.

Instructors

RN, MSN, PHN, CNL, Sleep Consultant Laura Hellfeld, RN, MSN, PHN, CNL, Sleep Consultant

Laura is a neurodivergent nurse, health educator, and sleep consultant dedicated to reshaping how self-care is supported within neurodivergent and disabled communities. Their work centres on accessible approaches to self-care areas like food and eating, sleep, hygiene and toileting. Laura does this through direct support for individuals and families, as well as through workshops and educational events for both professionals and community members Drawing from lived experience and public health service, Laura creates inclusive spaces, hosts community events, and co-authors books like Gabby’s Glimmers, Creating Safe Spaces for Autistic People, Belonging First, and is soon publishing a parent-focused series beginning with toileting and followed by hygiene.

Now Available On Demand

Cancellations

Cancellations must be in writing. We are unable to issue a refund after 10% of the content has been viewed. If the Get Permission Institute should need to remove course content for any reason, course fees will be refunded or transferred to another course at the discretion of the participant.