Why Do Food Refusal & Selectivity Happen?

Learn the common reasons behind food challenges in children with autism, including sensory sensitivities and the need for predictability. Make sure to rule out any medical concerns!

Teaching Eating Through a Shaping Procedure

Explore step-by-step techniques to gradually introduce new foods, starting with familiar items and reinforcing small successes.

Building Tolerance for Mealtime

Discover strategies to help children feel comfortable entering the dining area, sitting at the table, and engaging in mealtime routines.

Additional Tips & Tricks

Using tangible rewards, preferred materials, and finding ways to make food more appealing.

And More!

Jesenia (Jese) Duran is the director of Sunshine Learning Centre and the supervising Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA) with the College of Psychologist and Behaviour Analyst of Ontario (CPBAO) and Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) with the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Jese has worked at Sunshine Learning Centre since 2018, where she began as an instructor therapist, then a lead therapist, and eventually a senior therapist. Jese has a diploma in Developmental Services Worker, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Master’s in Applied Disability Studies with a specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis. As of November 2021, Jese is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst and as of July 2024 Jese became a Registered Behaviour Analyst in Ontario. Jese has completed her 8-hour supervision training and holds certificates in relevant behaviour-analytic topics such as Skills-Based Treatment, Sleep Training, Toilet Training, Puberty and Sex Education, PEERS ® Social Skills, and Ethics in Applied Behaviour Analysis. She has experience helping children with autism improve their verbal skills, social skills, play skills, academic skills, cooperation skills, school readiness skills, life skills, and self-help skills. Jese is experienced in conducting skills-based assessments (e.g., ABLLS-R), behaviour-analytic assessments (e.g., functional analyses), analyzing behaviour data, observing and training staff and caregivers, and implementing behaviour treatment programs. Jese is very passionate about providing neurodiversity affirming, effective, ethical, and meaningful behaviour-analytic services. Jese approaches her work with compassion, patience, understanding, and empathy. The number one goal is to help individuals live the highest quality of life without changing who they are as a person.