Feeding Therapy

Does my child need Feeding Therapy?

Your child may benefit from a feeding evaluation if your child:

has difficulty with breastfeeding/nursing or bottle feeding
has difficulty transitioning to solid table foods
has sensory difficulties with foods
- is resistant to accepting new textures
- has a hard time with the smell or look of food
frequently gags on food
has a selective diet or food refusals
has "picky eating" lasting more than a few weeks
feeding causes stress at family mealtimes
- for child and/or caregiver
experiences reflux, choking, gagging, or vomiting during or after meals
has difficulty transitioning off bottle or drinking from cups or straws
Frequently drools or has open mouth position during the day/night
has a medical condition leading to feeding difficulties
- receives nutrition/hydration through tube feedings (ng-tube, g-tube, etc)
- relies on nutritional supplements (pediasure, etc)
- is underweight for his/her age (i.e. diagnosis of Failure to Thrive (FTT))

Feeding Evaluation will include:

Review of medical, feeding, and overall development history
Oral skills assessment
Sensory Processing assessment
Motor skills assessment
Observation of feeding/eating
Parent Questionnaire
Individual recommendations, which may include:
- mealtime suggestions, home-based activities, sensory and/or motor skill activities, and/or seating recommendations
Recommendations for on-going treatment plan
Goal setting with child and family

Research has supported that patients with the following diagnoses and/or medical histories can benefit from feeding therapy services:

Individuals with: