Allergies & Feeding Difficulties
Allergies &
Feeding Difficulties
During my time working as a paediatric psychologist at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, I developed a strong interest in supporting children with food allergies. It quickly became evident to me just how essential psychological support is within paediatric allergy care. In 2015, I established the Children’s Allergy Psychology Service and served as the Lead Clinical Psychologist for seven years before transitioning into private practice.
I continue to work closely with children and their families, helping them navigate the significant emotional and psychological impact that living with allergies can bring. This includes managing anxiety about allergic reactions, fears around using adrenaline auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPens), social anxiety linked to feeling different, and the considerable stress parents often experience in caring for a child with allergies.
I also specialise in feeding difficulties and previously ran a Feeding Difficulties Clinic at Evelina London, where I supported children and their families with a wide range of feeding challenges—from fussy eating to Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).
Currently, I co-facilitate a parent group for children with feeding difficulties alongside Professor Rosan Meyer. For more details, please see the Group tab or sign up using this link:
Virtual Parent Group Session for Toddlers with Feeding Difficulties
Lastest Webinar
ABC to Understanding and Managing Feeding Difficulties in Toddlers
Dr. Polly James, Clinical Psychologist and Prof. Rosan Meyer, Paediatric Dietitian have worked for many years in a variety of settings with children with feeding difficulties.
They are joining forces to offer this webinar for parent who are struggling with toddlers (1-4 years of age) with feeding difficulties that may include:
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Refusal of specific food groups (i.e. vegetables)
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Spitting out of foods
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Extended mealtimes
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Child requiring distraction to eat
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Eating only specific food textures
This webinar (total time of 80 min) consists of 2 parts:
Part 1:
Why do toddlers develop feeding difficulties
• Reasons for a child to develop feeding difficulties
• The spectrum of feeding difficulties and typical symptoms
• The development of feeding skills/behaviour
• Cultural, familial and societal views of feeding and eating
Part 1:
Strategies that may help
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Managing anxiety around mealtimes
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What constitutes a healthy diet for children of this age
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Whether a vitamin and mineral supplement is required
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Tips on how to improve mealtimes and nutritional adequacy at home
Testimonial
We’re very grateful to have found Dr. Polly to support our eleven-year-old son in his struggle with ARFID (currently undiagnosed). Although we’re still early in the process, it’s been such a relief for both me and my son to speak with someone who is genuinely understanding, non-judgmental, and supportive.
Dr. Polly is clearly knowledgeable on ARFID, and she has introduced us to practical, manageable strategies that feel achievable for us and not overwhelming.
I would recommend Dr. Polly to any family facing similar struggles.