Episode #286: Picky Eating or Feeding Disorder with Margaryta Kuzmin

Some kids are picky eaters, but when does it become something more?

Feeding challenges can feel overwhelming for families, especially when mealtimes become stressful, food choices become extremely limited, or concerns about nutrition start to grow. That’s why I was excited to welcome feeding specialist Margaryta Kuzmin to the podcast. Together, we unpacked the difference between typical picky eating and pediatric feeding disorders, and why early support can make such a meaningful difference.

Margaryta shares the developmental reasons many children go through selective eating phases, along with important red flags that may signal a deeper concern. We also explore why feeding difficulties are rarely about food alone. Medical, nutritional, motor, sensory, and social factors can all play a role. I especially loved our discussion about how providers can approach these conversations with families in a supportive, compassionate way.

Whether you’re a speech-language pathologist, BCBA, educator, or parent, this conversation highlights the power of collaboration and why feeding concerns deserve attention early on.

#autism #speechtherapy

Today’s Guest:

Margaryta Kuzmin, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE, is a bilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist and child educator specializing in feeding and swallowing disorders as well as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). With over 15 years of experience, she has served hundreds of linguistically diverse, mildly to severely delayed, and medically complex children in early intervention and school settings. Margaryta is also the author of the children’s book Baby Zoo and has contributed to numerous publications. Throughout her career, she has received multiple awards recognizing her dedication and expertise.

What’s Inside: