This presentation explores the complex intersection of cultural eating differences and supporting
infants and children with feeding challenges or disorders within multicultural families. With
globalization and increasing cultural diversity, understanding and navigating these differences
are crucial for promoting a unified family-centered support for feeding progress. By delving into
diverse cultural perspectives on food, we aim to highlight how a deeper understanding and
appreciation of family mealtime considerations can significantly enhance our support for
children facing feeding differences, challenges, aversions, or disorders. By addressing these
challenges through culturally sensitive strategies, we aim to empower families to foster positive
relationships with food while honoring their diverse cultural backgrounds.
Sarina Murrell is a multilingual medical speech-language pathologist with 15+ years as an educator and 10+ years’ in the field of speech-language pathology, working in medical operations for cleft-lip/palate, children’s hospitals in NICU/PICU and outpatient feeding clinics, autism centers, home-based early intervention and public schools across the US, Ecuador, and China. Sarina is the founder and director of The Airplane Spoon - a private practice for babies, children, and parents in feeding, communication, and coaching.
Core Competency Area:
Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Skill Level:
Fundamental
Presentation Outcomes:
This presentation will foster inclusive, tailored support strategies that respect the diversity of young children and their families, including cultural, linguistic, religious, socioeconomic, and other differences. It aims to enhance understanding of cultural norms around food and mealtimes, enabling professionals to develop interventions that are both effective and culturally sensitive. By empowering families to participate actively in addressing feeding challenges, the presentation ensures that interventions are not only respectful to each family's unique situation but also enhance overall wellbeing. This family-centered approach promotes psychological and social health, reduces stress associated with feeding disorders, and encourages multidisciplinary collaboration among professionals, thus leading to holistic development and better health outcomes for children across a spectrum of diversity.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will discuss various cultural beliefs and practices surrounding food and feeding in different communities.
Attendees will gain the skills to identify and address specific challenges faced by multicultural families in managing feeding issues. This includes understanding the role of cultural differences in feeding aversions or disorders and learning about practical, culturally sensitive strategies that can be implemented to support these families effectively.
Participants will engage families in developing mealtime routines that respect their cultural backgrounds and contribute to successful feeding outcomes for children facing challenges.
