Individualized Feeding Therapy
A specialized plan to address food refusal, selectivity, mealtime behaviors and the safety of eating and drinking for children with dysphagia.
Feeding Therapy
Helping mealtimes feel good again.
When eating is a struggle, every meal can feel stressful for your child and for you. Our feeding therapists offer gentle, individualized support so children can eat safely, try new foods and enjoy the table with their family.
How we help
More than “picky eating.”
Feeding difficulties rarely come down to one thing. Sensory sensitivities, oral-motor skills, feeding skills, behavior and swallowing safety can all play a part, and every child’s mix is different.
Our speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists look at the whole picture. We identify what’s getting in the way, then use a variety of techniques to help your child build skills, try new foods at their own pace, and move toward a varied, functional diet.
Feeding therapy is always a partnership. We’ll share what we’re working on and practical ideas to make mealtimes at home calmer and more successful.
Who we see
Babies, toddlers and children of all ages whose eating is affected by sensory sensitivities, oral-motor difficulties, feeding skills, mealtime behaviors or swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).
What we treat
Feeding therapy can help with…
If any of these sound familiar, give us a call. We’re happy to talk through what you’re seeing.
- Picky eating & food selectivity
- Food refusal
- Challenging mealtime behaviors
- Sensory sensitivities to food
- Gagging, choking or mouth-stuffing
- Drooling & oral weakness
- Oral-motor skills for eating
- Infant feeding
- Safe swallowing (dysphagia)
- Trying new foods
Commonly requested
Approaches we may use
Our therapists are trained and certified in a wide range of treatment approaches. These are some of the most requested. If you’re looking for something specific, just ask!
TalkTools®
Oral-placement therapy techniques and tools that add a tactile component to feeding therapy, building the oral-motor skills behind safe, efficient eating.
Common areas of focus
How we support your family
Finding the “why”
Feeding therapy involves identifying safe swallowing along with the other factors behind feeding difficulties: sensory sensitivities, oral-motor difficulties, feeding skills and behavior.
Building skills, gently
We use several techniques to encourage children to explore and try new foods, always at a pace that feels safe, so they can work toward a varied, functional diet.
Speech & OT, together
Our speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists both work with feeding, and they share ideas, so your child benefits from both perspectives.
Carrying it home
The real progress happens at your table. We’ll give you practical strategies to make everyday meals calmer and more successful.
It starts with an evaluation
Feeding therapy starts with an evaluation, where your therapist learns about your child’s history and eating and talks with you about what you’re seeing at home. From there, we’ll build a plan together. Give us a call to get started.
Your feeding team
Speech and OT, working side by side.
Feeding therapy at Therapy Connections is provided by our speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists. When you call, we’ll match your child with the therapist whose experience best fits their needs.
One team, four specialties
Explore our other services
Many children benefit from more than one kind of therapy. Our team coordinates care.
Speech & Language
Finding words, being understood and connecting with friends and family, from late talkers to stuttering, social skills and reading readiness.
Explore Speech
Occupational Therapy
The everyday skills of childhood: getting dressed, holding a pencil, handling big feelings, and feeling calm and ready to learn.
Explore OT
Physical Therapy
Strength, balance and coordination for running, climbing, biking and keeping up with friends at home, at school and on the playground.
Explore PT
We’re here to help
Let’s help your child take the next step.
Whether you have a specific concern or simply a feeling that something isn’t quite right, we’re here to listen. Give us a call. We’ll talk through what you’re noticing and help you find the right place to start.
