Why BCBAs Belong on the Feeding Team (Even If You’re Not a Feeding Expert Yet)

Woman smiling at her laptop, outside of the kitchen. Graphed data at her side.

Feeding challenges affect up to 90% of autistic kids (Brzóska et al., 2021). And for over five decades, behavioral interventions have been used to successfully treat pediatric feeding problems (Williams & Seiverling, 2021).

But here’s the problem:
Most behavior analysts still don’t feel fluent in this area of practice.

Meanwhile, families are waiting months (sometimes years) for feeding support. And many of the children we serve are being overlooked simply because feeding isn’t being assessed or addressed within our current ABA models.

Let’s change that.

Whether or not you’re trained to lead a feeding intervention right now, I want you to hear this clearly:

You don’t have to be the expert to make a meaningful impact.
You already bring unique value to the feeding team—value that no one else can offer.

Let me show you four ways you’re already essential.

Free Strategies for Picky Eating and Autism

1. You Don’t Have to Do It All

Feeding intervention isn’t a solo act—it’s a team sport. Or, as I like to say, it’s more like a potluck dinner. Everyone brings their best dish.

Feeding therapy often involves multiple disciplines:

Speech-language pathology
Occupational therapy
Nutrition
Medicine
Psychology
Social work
Behavior analysis

As a BCBA, your job isn’t to master every aspect. It’s to contribute what you do best—behavioral assessment, data-driven decisions, caregiver coaching—and to develop just enough interdisciplinary knowledge to collaborate effectively.

When we know how to work with other professionals, our behavioral lens becomes an incredible asset, not a limitation.

2. You Get Eyes on the Actual Eating

This is where behavior analysts shine.

Most providers don’t get to observe a child during real mealtimes at home. Their recommendations are based on parent reports, clinical visits, or short evaluations.

But you?
You’re there—at the kitchen table, in the classroom, at snack time.

You get to observe how food is presented, how the child responds, what reinforcement patterns are emerging, and how caregivers are supporting (or unintentionally reinforcing) food selectivity. That context matters. And most other providers don’t have access to it.

This observational power gives you insight that is incredibly valuable to the rest of the team.

3. You Have Repeated Access

Unlike other professionals who might see a child once a week—or once a month—BCBAs have regular contact.

This ongoing interaction lets you:
✔️ Track feeding-related behaviors over time
✔️ Identify small shifts that others might miss
✔️ Spot red flags early (e.g., signs of reflux, constipation, sensory discomfort)
✔️ Adjust strategies in real-time
✔️ Build trusting relationships with caregivers that open the door to new goals

You are often the most consistent professional presence in a child’s life. That’s powerful—and it positions you to make a real difference.

And yet, with all this access and insight, one thing often still gets missed…

4. You Can Be the One Who Starts the Conversation

Every day, BCBAs are working with autistic children who eat fewer than 10 foods—and no one is assessing whether it’s impacting their health, energy, behavior, or daily functioning.

Families often assume their child’s limited diet is something they just have to live with.
And many ABA providers assume feeding isn’t their lane.

But here’s the truth:
If you’re already working with the child, you’re in a powerful position to notice and speak up.

You don’t need to treat the feeding issue yourself to be helpful. But you can ask a few key intake questions. You can connect families to resources. You can help them build the team that will support real progress.

That kind of advocacy is part of ethical, whole-child care. And it starts with awareness.

So What Does This Mean for You?

You don’t need to be a feeding expert tomorrow.
You don’t need to lead feeding programs on your own.

But you can start learning more about how to support mealtimes.
You can show up to team meetings with meaningful contributions.
You can be the person who notices, documents, and shares what others might miss.

Because you belong at the feeding table.

Ready to Take the First Step?

One of the simplest ways to start is by using my Total Food List Guide. It’s a practical, actionable tool to help you assess what your client is really eating (and what they’re not). This single document can support better team collaboration, stronger goal setting, and more ethical treatment.

👉 Click here to grab the free guide.

You don’t need more credentials to care deeply.
You just need a willingness to learn—and a seat at the table.

References:

Brzóska, A., Kazek, B., Kozioł, K., Kapinos-Gorczyca, A., Ferlewicz, M., Babraj, A., Makosz-Raczek, A., Likus, W., Paprocka, J., Matusik, P., & Emich-Widera, E. (2021). Eating behaviors of children with autism-Pilot study. Nutrients, 13(8), 2687. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082687

Williams K, & Seiverling L. Behavior Analytic Feeding Interventions: Current State of the Literature. Behav Modif. 2023 Jul;47(4):983-1011. doi: 10.1177/01454455221098118. Epub 2022 Jun 8. PMID: 35674422; PMCID: PMC10291736.