Books & Brave Bites: A Food Exposure Program for Students with Autism with Margaryta Kuzmin

Guest: Margaryta Kuzmin, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/books-brave-bites

Join Carolyn Dolby as she kicks off Season 3 of 'School of Speech,' presented by Speech Therapy PD. In this episode, Carolyn is joined by her friend and expert guest, Margaryta Kuzmin, a bilingual pediatric SLP specializing in feeding, swallowing, and augmentative and alternative communication. Together, they discuss the implementation of a unique program called 'Books and Brave Bites' designed to expose school-based students, particularly those with autism and pediatric feeding disorders, to various foods in a non-pressured, sensory-friendly way. Margaryta shares her experiences, strategies, and successes of integrating food into literacy and math lessons, emphasizing the importance of creating positive food interactions in a school setting. This insightful episode is filled with practical tips, research-based approaches, and inspirational stories, making it a must-watch for educators and SLPs alike.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:25 Guest Introduction: Margaryta Kuzmin

01:23 Housekeeping and Disclosures

03:22 Discussion on Feeding and Swallowing Issues

04:48 Margaryta 's Journey into Feeding Therapy

08:10 Implementing Feeding Programs in Schools

17:01 Combining Literacy and Feeding Therapy

30:22 Challenges and Successes of the Program

32:58 Challenges in Data Collection and Study Validity

33:43 Unexpected Collaboration with Occupational Therapy

34:13 Implementing Sensory Breaks and Team Support

35:05 Exploring Food Resources and Paraprofessional Involvement

36:23 Addressing Chewing Skills and Sensory Integration

38:20 Systematic Sensory Oral Motor Approach

39:21 Engaging Students with Food in Academic Lessons

44:57 Parental Concerns and Safe Foods

47:09 Strategies for Introducing New Foods

55:31 Upcoming Workshops and Resources

59:45 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

About the Guest:

Margaryta, 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.