Many children, including those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, face challenges when discovering and adapting to new sensations and routines. This reluctance can stem from various factors, including fears, discomfort, and sensory sensitivities. Understanding these elements can help caregivers support children through this process.

Developed by the EarlyBrain consortium and financed by the European Union, ‘Exquisitely Maria’ is a toolkit aimed at supporting parents and caregivers to understand and assist children with developmental disabilities in the process of adapting to new sensations and overcoming fears.

Summary of the Story: Maria starts school and seems to enjoy it, but her parents notice she struggles with eating solid foods. They realise she has only been eating purees at home and needs help transitioning to textured foods. With the support of a teacher and an occupational therapist, Maria gradually overcomes her food texture sensitivity. The key learning outcomes:

• Identifying sensory processing challenges related to food.
• Encouraging gradual exposure to new textures.
• The importance of professional support (occupational therapy).
• Parental flexibility in adapting strategies to support development.

This Toolkit includes:

• The storybook ‘Exquisitely Maria’.
• Concepts: Theoretical explanations associated with the story (Available soon).
• Materials: Guidance for practical approach to supporting children with developmental disorders in the context of story (Available soon).

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