A Step-by-Step Strategy for Food Selectivity
If you’re supporting a child who struggles with trying new foods, you’re not alone. Food selectivity — commonly referred to as “picky eating” — can feel overwhelming for families, educators, and therapists alike. But with patience, consistency, and the right tools, progress is possible.
One of my favorite tools to use for gradual exposure to new foods is a step-based visual token board. Today I’m walking you through how it works, why I love it, and how you can try it yourself.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Before implementing any feeding strategies or interventions, it’s strongly recommended that you consult and collaborate with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or feeding specialist to ensure the approach is safe and appropriate for your learner.
What Is a Token Board for Food Selectivity?
This specific token board is designed for stepwise food exploration — a method that encourages small, achievable steps toward eating a new or non-preferred food. Rather than going straight from “I don’t want to eat this” to “Take a bite,” this board breaks it down into manageable levels that gradually increase in difficulty.
Here are the 7 steps on the board:
- Touch it
- Kiss it
- Lick it
- Put in mouth (and take out)
- Bite (can spit out)
- Chew (3 times, can still spit out)
- Swallow
Each time the learner completes a step, they remove that token icon — building visual progress and working toward reinforcement. This method helps reduce pressure, build trust, and make progress feel visible and achievable.
Why It Works
- Breaks down avoidance behavior: Kids often avoid unfamiliar foods because the leap to “eat it” feels too big. This method scaffolds their experience in smaller steps.
- Respects boundaries: They’re never forced to swallow before they’re ready. Chewing and spitting out is progress.
- Incorporates reinforcement: You can pair the token board with a preferred item or activity once steps are completed, helping to increase motivation and reduce resistance.
- Visual structure: Kids know what’s expected and when they’re “done.”
Want to Try This?
I’ve made the exact visual token board I use with my clients available as a download on my TPT store. It includes:
✔️ 7-step icons with clear visuals
✔️ A printable board
✔️ BONUS: Blank icons for customization
✔️ A digital protocol (coming soon!) to guide implementation
Download the Token Board on TPT here
(or find the link in my Instagram bio)
Final Thoughts
Food selectivity can be complex, and every child is different. The goal isn’t to “fix” picky eating overnight — it’s to build positive food experiences one step at a time.
If you’re supporting a selective eater and looking for gentle, structured ways to build food tolerance, give this approach a try — and as always, do so in collaboration with an SLP or feeding therapist.
Share this post, pin it for later, and follow along @thebehaviorblend for more ABA-informed strategies that support real-world routines.
