Feeding Therapy

Hearing that Speech-Language Pathologists provide treatment for feeding and feeding disorders often comes as a surprise to most people. However, Speech-Language Pathologists can help your child with a variety of feeding skills including: chewing, spoon feeding, cup/straw drinking, expanding their diet, and moving food around in their mouth safely to avoid gagging or choking. Although feeding disorders are most commonly identified in children ages 3 and older, feeding therapy can begin as early as birth with breast/bottle feeding. Speech-Language Pathologists work closely with dietitians, occupational therapists, and lactation consultants, as needed to provide wholistic support to families and children. Feeding difficulties can include:

 

  • Gagging
  • Choking
  • Coughing
  • Wet vocal quality
  • Moving food in the mouth
  • Chewing/stuffing
  • Low food intake
  • Limited diet (restricted variety)
  • Transitioning to different levels of foods
  • Limited nutritional intake
  • Any child whose caregivers are stressed and/or struggling to feed them

 

If you have concerns about your child’s ability to eat a variety of foods, or questions about feeding development, contact us! We’d love to give you more information and answer any questions specific to your child.