About Feeding Therapy
Good nutrition is necessary to promote optimal growth and development. Children experiencing difficulties related to feeding and mealtimes can experience adverse affects due to decreased overall nutritional intake, which can negatively impact quality of life.
How will feeding therapy help your child?
Severely Picky Eaters
Limited to a handful or less foods, impacting nutrition. Some aversions may be due to colors,
textures, flavors, or brands. These aversions lead to hesitation or refusal to trying new and previously non-preferred foods.
Behaviors at Mealtime
Tend to graze rather than sit down and eat. May be distracted from eating while at the table. Difficulties such as severely picking eating, oral motor dysfunctions, gagging or choking can also result in behaviors or “meltdowns” during mealtime.
Oral Motor Function Difficulties
Low oral motor tone and difficulty with tongue lateralization can lead to chewing and swallowing difficulties. This may also lead to decreased endurance for chewing activities resulting in minimal food consumption or fatigue during mealtime.
Gagging or Choking
Heightened gag reflex due to physical or cognitive issues (i.e. anxiety surrounding food due to previous trauma). Children also may tend to stuff or pocket food, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration.
