Hi, i posted this on the SEN board already but just realised it may be better here soho or this is ok.
I haven't posted on this board before but hoping for some advice or support. A bit of background. We have a son, just turned 5, who has a variety of different needs. He has epilepsy and a genetic condition which give him issues around speech and his understanding and processing of language. He has a poor attention span and needs lots of help to stay on track. Currently (normally) I'm a mainstream school with an EHCP with a one to one all the time.
At present he is at home with us though he is going to school some of the time as we are keyworkers. We are struggling with his eating. He will say what he wants and choose his own breakfast for example. He will sit at the table but as soon as his food is put in front of him he will start crying and protesting, saying he doesn't like it and refusing to eat. Often major meltdowns or throwing of knife and fork, pushing his plate away. We are unable to convince him to eat and he will get up and leave the table. If we bring him back he protests.
We have tried lots of things, a big timer, letting him serve himself, eating with him, letting him choose plate etc.
Often when we convince him to have 1 bite he will then start eating, though he may protest for 30 minutes. He almost always eats in the end but it is so upsetting watching him be distressed. He may let us help him at times but not always.
Help please!