Exceptional

Feeding Therapy

What is Feeding Therapy

Feeding Therapy is designed for children who have a tough time at the dinner table. Eating should be an enjoyable experience, but for some kids, it can be a source of anxiety or difficulty due to sensory aversions, motor challenges, or other feeding disorders.

Our therapists gently guide children through the complex process of eating, using techniques that reduce stress and build positive associations with food. We address issues such as difficulty chewing, swallowing, or accepting a variety of foods, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that children can participate in family meals happily and healthily.

The Experts Behind Our Feeding Therapy

Feeding Therapist: Typically an Speech Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist with specialized training in feeding and swallowing disorders. They are skilled in creating and implementing strategies to address feeding challenges.

Common Signs and Indicators for Feeding Therapy in Children

Difficulty with Different Textures of Food

Signs and Symptoms

  • Avoids or refuses foods with certain textures

  • Gags or vomits when trying new foods or textures

  • Prefers only smooth or pureed foods beyond infancy

Limited Food Variety

Signs and Symptoms

  • Eats a very limited range of foods (fewer than 20 different foods)

  • Refuses entire categories of food textures or nutrition groups

  • Shows signs of anxiety or distress when presented with new foods

Mealtime Behavioral Issues

Signs and Symptoms

  • Reliance on bottle feeding or breastfeeding beyond typical age

  • Difficulty transitioning from bottle/breast to cup or solid foods

  • Requires distractions (like TV or toys) to eat

Physical Difficulties During Eating

Signs and Symptoms

  • Difficulty chewing or moving food in the mouth

  • Coughing, choking, or gagging during meals

  • Excessive drooling or food falling out of the mouth while eating

Poor Growth and Weight Gain

Signs and Symptoms

  • Not gaining weight or growing as expected for age

  • Experiencing weight loss without a medical cause

  • Shows signs of malnutrition or dehydration

Feeding Dependency

Signs and Symptoms

  • Reliance on bottle feeding or breastfeeding beyond typical age

  • Difficulty transitioning from bottle/breast to cup or solid foods

  • Requires distractions (like TV or toys) to eat

Sensory Processing Difficulties

Signs and Symptoms

  • Overly sensitive to smells, tastes, or textures of foods

  • Under-responsive to food temperatures or textures

  • Shows a strong preference for certain colors or brands of food

Swallowing Difficulties

Signs and Symptoms

  • Difficulty swallowing or complains of pain while swallowing

  • Avoids foods that require more chewing or effort to swallow

  • History of respiratory issues or pneumonia that may be related to swallowing

Oral Motor Skill Delays

Signs and Symptoms

  • Limited movement of tongue, lips, or jaw during eating

  • Difficulty using utensils due to poor oral motor coordination

  • Struggles with sucking, licking, or blowing

Social and Emotional Impact

Signs and Symptoms

  • Mealtime is a source of stress for the child and family

  • Child avoids social situations involving food

  • Shows signs of embarrassment or self-consciousness about eating habits

Special Health Care Needs

Signs and Symptoms

  • Children with medical conditions affecting feeding (e.g., reflux, allergies)

  • Children with developmental disorders impacting feeding (e.g., autism, ADHD)

  • History of gastrointestinal issues or surgeries affecting feeding

Picky Eating Persisting Beyond Toddler Years

Signs and Symptoms

  • Continues to be extremely selective with food choices beyond the toddler stage

  • Shows no improvement in food variety over time

  • Refusal to try new foods persists or worsens

Our Feeding Therapists

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