Juliette’s Journey: From “I Won’t Try It” to “Let’s See”

At Bloom360, Juliette once avoided new foods altogether. Her automatic reaction was, “I’m not going to like this. I am not going to try it.” With support from our Learning Guides and her peers in Food Science class, she began exploring foods in a safe, supportive environment.

The class is designed to provide a safe space for learners to explore different foods that they otherwise would avoid. Learners talk about, look at, smell, touch, and sometimes taste new foods—spitting into a napkin is okay; there’s no expectation to ingest the food until they are ready. Peer role models help Juliette see that trying new foods can be safe and even fun, while classmates encourage her with simple words like, “You can do it, Juliette!”

Through practice, Juliette has made significant progress. She now makes comparisons between foods at home and at restaurants, noticing how the same type of food can taste differently. Her “Yum or Yuck” book shows many foods rated in the middle—around 5 out of 10—whereas certain foods such as broccoli used to be an automatic 1, never even reaching her lips.

Each month, Juliette takes her learning further with class restaurant outings, visiting a new restaurant and trying unfamiliar menu items. These experiences help her practice flexibility, decision-making, and self-advocacy in the real world.

With consistent practice, guidance, and peer support, Juliette is gaining confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to try new things—skills that go far beyond the lunch table, shaping her independence, flexibility and joy every day.

Help learners like Juliette discover new possibilities! Your gift to Bloom360 this year empowers neurodivergent young people to build confidence, try new things, and thrive in a supportive community. Give today and make a lasting impact.