February 1, 2024

Does Your Child Need Feeding Therapy?

There are a variety of reasons why a child may need feeding therapy. To many of us, it would seem like eating should be a basic instinct. However, eating is one of the most complex activities we do, especially for the developing, young child.

There are a variety of reasons why a child may need feeding therapy. To many of us, it would seem like eating should be a basic instinct. However, eating is one of the most complex activities we do, especially for the developing, young child. Eating involves several processes in the body, including sensory, oral-motor, muscular, neurological, digestive, and behavioral systems. Feeding problems can arise involving any one of these systems, and often more than one of these is implicated.

The following are reasons why a child may have a feeding problem:

  • Sensory processing issue
  • Food allergies or severe reflux
  • Autism
  • Developmental delays
  • Complex post-op recovery course
  • Transition from feeding tube to oral nutrition

Feeding therapy is usually done with one or more clinicians. Depending on the type of feeding problem, therapy may involve a speech language pathologist, an occupational therapist, a registered dietitian, a social worker or behavior therapist, and/or a physician.

Each discipline’s feeding treatment approach consists of the following:

  • Speech Language Pathologists help children with feeding problems that arise because of chewing or swallowing problems. This includes infants who need help with coordinating suck-swallow-breathe skills. They also can provide therapy for kids with cranio-facial abnormalities that impact feeding, such as cleft lip or palate.
  • Occupational Therapists help children with sensory, gross, and fine motor skills as they relate to feeding. In terms of sensory-related feeding issues, occupational therapists use techniques that help kids overcome aversions or change their perception of sensory inputs from foods. They also help children develop the fine and gross motor strength needed to successfully eat to the best of their potential. In some cases, they recommend special utensils, seating, plates, etc.
  • Registered Dietitians develop a nutrition plan that promotes growth and meets nutrient needs as a child progresses through feeding therapy. They also work closely with parents to develop a nutrition plan for home, which includes education on an appropriate feeding regimen and/or mealtime structure and environment. Finally, the dietitian can address any dietary needs related to allergies, digestive issues, or other diagnoses.
  • Social Workers can help families with feeding problems stemming from behavioral issues. They can work with the child and parents on new communication strategies and techniques that shape ideal behaviors around mealtimes to promote successful eating. Social workers can also provide therapy for kids or parents who experience anxiety or other difficult feelings related to the eating experience.

Feeding therapy is recommended based on the results of a feeding evaluation. At North Shore Pediatric Therapy, we have a unique, multidisciplinary approach to evaluate various contributing factors to a feeding issue. From there, a treatment strategy is developed and coordinated with the family and appropriate therapists. The therapy usually takes place in a setting that mimics a typical home environment. The child engages in activities involving preferred and non-preferred foods, and acquires skills and strategies to become a better eater.

Download our Guide for Families

We know that choosing a local ABA facility can be a hard decision. We’ve created an informational guide to help you understand more about the questions you should be asking while meeting with different providers.

Although we talk about our services here, our highest goal is for you to feel comfortable and knowledgeable about picking a provider that is the best fit for your needs. You are making a decision that will impact the entire trajectory of your child’s life!
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The cover of the NSPT Guide for Families, which helps families to figure out the questions to ask when picking an ABA provider.

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Testimonials

Success looks different for every child... But we bet we have a story that matches your child's needs. Like James, who started with us as non-speaking and lacking the ability to initiate and maintain social interactions. Today, he can speak complete sentences, clearly state his needs, and navigate social interactions with his friends!

Our infant daughter was in physical therapy with Anna Zahn for about five months.  Anna was consistent, patient, and wonderful with our daughter.  Anna was also clear in her communications with us as parents which helped us understand our daughter's progress and needs, as well as how we could help our daughter at home.  While we are proud that our daughter graduated PT, we will miss Anna's warmth and kindness.

Emily

I love this place! Chista is an amazing person, so sweet and kind and very professional in her work. All staff are very kind with children. I feel happy to find this place for my daughter. Thank you!!!

Maria Di Rita

I cannot say enough nice things about the staff! My son worked with Khadija as his ABA therapist and is finishing up this week with his OT, Sabrina. They were really instrumental in helping us navigate a new diagnosis. Both were so easy to approach with questions. From Leeann at the front desk to the RBTs (Alex, Rabbia, Molly, and many others), we always felt so welcomed. It seems like the staff genuinely enjoy their jobs, consistently offering feedback and suggestions on how to help my son.

Jennifer Peyer

We have been working with the amazing team at NSPT for many years. They have been essential in understanding and supporting our child. I recommend their services to anyone looking for their specific type of support.Posted to

Monica Terése Carranza

They are so sweet and kinds persons with professionalism and really worried about the kids and how help they to get new skills and moving forward with knowledge.

Alejandra M.

NSPT is fantastic! All of the staff are wonderful, accomodating, and make you feel welcome and comfortable. Alan is fantastic - he has helped our family tremendously and has such patience and purpose in everything he does.

Alex Ehrhardt

North Shore Pediatric Therapy has been amazing.  They have done a great job adjusting to the specific needs of my autistic child.

Matt Nakanishi

My 12 yr old son has a lovely support team in Robert (Social Work) and Lindsay (OT)! He gains so much from his sessions & I gain so much from the communication and brainstorming! Thanks!

Jennie Meyer

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  • 3
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  • 4
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