Feeding Therapy
Pediatric Feeding Therapy
Our feeding therapy team consists of occupational therapists (OTs) and speech language pathologists (SLPs) who have specialized training in feeding therapy. We offer assessment and intervention aimed at addressing underlying factors that impact feeding through a family-centered, whole-child approach. Feeding therapy is individualized to your child and approaches food, mealtimes, and the act of eating in a playful way. We aim to reduce the stress surrounding mealtimes with a focus on providing tangible action steps to implement at home.
What is Feeding Therapy?
If your child is experiencing any of the following feeding or mealtime concerns, your child may be a candidate for feeding therapy:
- Challenges with the transition from breastmilk/formula/purees
- Reliance on tube feedings to meet nutritional needs
- “Picky” eating, defined as less than 20 foods in your child’s diet
- Child is no longer eating foods that were previously eaten
- Difficulty chewing or breaking down foods
- Resistance to foods/food refusal
- Foods are limited to a specific color, food group, or consistency
- Behavioral concerns surrounding food/mealtime experiences
- Rigidity surrounding food presentation
- Family distress around food and mealtimes due to any of the above concerns
Treatment Methods:
Depending on the child’s needs, our therapists may use a variety of treatment methods within their therapy sessions. Specialized treatments include:
- AEIOU Integrated Approach to Feeding
- CAN-EAT Approach
- Get Permission Approach to Eating
- SOFFI Supporting Oral Feeding In Fragile Infants
- SOS Approach to Feeding
- SOS Food Science Model
- Tethered Oral Ties
Check out our podcast to learn more about feeding therapy at CI along with some helpful tips and strategies to use at home.
