Feeding Therapy

Feeding Therapy

Feeding disorders include problems gathering food and preparing to suck, chew, or swallow it. Swallowing disorders, also called dysphagia, can occur at different stages (oral prep, oral, pharyngeal, esophageal stages) in the swallowing process. Children with feeding and swallowing disorders may more commonly be known as "picky eaters." Challenges can being as early as infancy. Problems may also arise later.

Recognizing and Helping Feeding Disorders

Picky eating can be a real a problem, and most parents know it, though they may have been told “don't worry, s/he'll grow out of it,” “it's a stage," or “all kids go through this." There are many reasons for picky eating and exploring what is going on with your child is the first step to finding solutions. Our lens is integrative and allows us to explore solutions that might in more traditional programs be overlooked.

A “PICKY EATING” PHASE OR MORE?

If you feel there is an issue with your child's eating, seek professional help. If you know a picky eater, we are happy to talk with you to offer support in finding solutions that work for your child and family.

Feeding Therapy Near Me

Contact our Skills Development team for a free 15-minute feeding therapy consultation to learn how feeding therapy works and how it can help your child.

Signs of Feeding and Swallowing Disorders in Children

Children with feeding and swallowing problems have a wide variety of symptoms. Not all signs and symptoms are present in every child, and symptoms vary according to age. 

Feeding Disorder Signs in Infants and Toddlers (0-3 years)

• Arching or stiffening of the body during feeding

• Irritability or lack of alertness during feeding

• Refusing food or liquid

• Long feeding times (more than 30 minutes)

• Difficulty breast feeding

• Coughing or gagging during meals

• Excessive drooling or food/liquid coming out of the mouth or nose

• Difficulty coordinating breathing with eating and drinking

• increased stuffiness during meals

• Gurgly, hoarse, or breathy voice quality

• Frequent spitting up or vomiting

• Recurring pneumonia or respiratory infections

• Less than normal weight gain or growth

Feeding Disorder Signs in Toddlers and Older Children

• Failure to accept different textures of food

• Resists most fruits

• Resists most vegetables

• Mood swings

• Trouble sleeping

• Social challenges

• Trouble concentrating

• Impulsivity

• Tires easily

• Stomach aches

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Bad breath

• Headaches

• Tantrums

• Stunted growth

• Under-weight/over-weight