Feeding Therapy

At ALL ABOUT SPECIAL CHILD, we understand that feeding and eating can be challenging for many children, particularly those with sensory processing issues, developmental delays, or medical conditions. Our Feeding Therapy program is designed to help children develop healthy eating habits, improve their feeding skills, and foster a positive relationship with food.

What is Feeding Therapy?

Feeding Therapy is a specialized intervention aimed at addressing difficulties children may experience during mealtimes. These challenges can include picky eating, difficulty swallowing, aversions to certain textures or tastes, and behavioral issues related to food. Our goal is to help children feel more comfortable and confident during meals while promoting a balanced diet.

Our Approach to Feeding Therapy

• Initial Assessment:
  The therapy begins with a comprehensive assessment to evaluate your child’s feeding history, preferences, and challenges. This includes gathering information about their medical background, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral patterns related to eating.
• Individualized Therapy Plans:
  Based on the assessment results, our feeding specialists create customized therapy plans that focus on your child’s specific needs and goals. These plans may incorporate sensory integration techniques, behavioral strategies, and nutritional education.
• Engaging Activities:
  Our therapy sessions utilize fun and interactive activities to make the process enjoyable for children. This may include food exploration, taste tests, and play-based strategies to encourage acceptance of new foods.
• Family Involvement:
  We believe that involving parents and caregivers is crucial for success. We provide guidance and strategies for families to implement at home, fostering consistency and support during mealtimes.

Common Feeding Challenges Addressed

• Picky Eating:
  Children may refuse to try new foods or only eat a limited variety. Our therapy helps expand their food repertoire and encourages exploration of different tastes and textures.
• Sensory Aversion:
  Some children may have strong reactions to specific textures, smells, or appearances of food. We work on desensitization strategies to help them become more comfortable with a variety of foods.
• Difficulty Swallowing:
  For children with swallowing difficulties, our therapy focuses on safe swallowing techniques and exercises to strengthen oral motor skills.
• Behavioral Issues:
  We address mealtime behaviors such as tantrums or refusal to eat, promoting positive behaviors and reducing stress during meals.

Benefits of Feeding Therapy

• Improved Eating Skills:
  Children develop the skills needed to eat a balanced diet, promoting better health and nutrition.
• Increased Food Acceptance:
  Through gradual exposure to new foods, children become more open to trying and enjoying a variety of tastes and textures.
• Enhanced Family Mealtime Dynamics:
  Our therapy fosters a positive mealtime environment, reducing stress and enhancing family interactions during meals.
• Boosted Confidence:
  As children gain new skills and overcome feeding challenges, their confidence grows, positively impacting their overall development.

Get Started with Feeding Therapy

If you are concerned about your child’s feeding habits or challenges, ALL ABOUT SPECIAL CHILD is here to help. Our experienced feeding specialists are dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging therapeutic experience for your child. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and discover how Feeding Therapy can make a positive difference in your child’s life.