What Is Pediatric Feeding Therapy?
Eating is much more complicated than it looks.
A child needs the strength and coordination to manage food in the mouth, chew it, move it efficiently, and swallow it safely. They also need to tolerate the taste, texture, smell, temperature, and appearance of different foods. Postural stability, sensory processing, fine motor skills, medical history, and previous experiences with food can all affect feeding.
When something in that process is difficult, eating can quickly become stressful for both the child and the family.
Pediatric feeding therapy evaluates why feeding is difficult and develops a treatment plan based on the individual child’s needs.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From Feeding Therapy
There is a difference between typical picky eating and a feeding difficulty that may require professional support.
Consider talking with your pediatrician about a feeding evaluation if your child:
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Eats a very limited variety of foods
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Refuses entire food groups or textures
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Gags, coughs, chokes, or vomits during meals
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Has difficulty chewing foods
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Holds or pockets food in the mouth
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Has difficulty moving food from one side of the mouth to the other
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Primarily accepts purees or soft foods beyond the expected developmental stage
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Becomes extremely upset when unfamiliar foods are presented
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Has difficulty transitioning from bottle or breast feeding to solids
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Struggles with drinking from a straw or open cup
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Has difficulty gaining weight or meeting nutritional needs
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Has a history of aspiration or swallowing concerns
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Relies on supplemental or tube feeding
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Has sensory sensitivities that significantly interfere with eating
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Experiences stressful or prolonged mealtimes
Feeding difficulties can look very different from one child to another. A feeding evaluation helps determine what is contributing to the problem and whether therapy is appropriate.
Feeding Therapy Is More Than Picky Eating
Picky eating is one reason families seek feeding therapy, but pediatric feeding therapists may address much more complex concerns.
At Rogers Bridge Pediatric Therapy, feeding treatment may address oral motor skills, sensory feeding difficulties, chewing and mastication, food variety, texture progression, cup and straw drinking, swallowing safety, mealtime participation, and transition toward age appropriate feeding skills.
We also work with children whose feeding difficulties occur alongside diagnoses or medical histories such as autism, developmental delays, prematurity, oral motor weakness, sensory processing differences, gastrointestinal concerns, or tube feeding.
Treatment is individualized because two children who appear to have the same feeding problem may be struggling for very different reasons.
Why Experience in Pediatric Feeding Matters
Feeding is a specialized area of pediatric therapy.
Our therapists have completed extensive continuing education and specialized coursework related to pediatric feeding, oral motor development, sensory feeding difficulties, and swallowing. We are knowledgeable in treating a range of feeding concerns, from children who need help expanding their food repertoire to children with more complex oral motor and medical feeding needs.
Our team includes both speech language pathologists and occupational therapists, allowing us to look at feeding from multiple perspectives.
Depending on the child, treatment may address oral motor strength and coordination, sensory processing, positioning, fine motor skills, self feeding, food exploration, chewing, swallowing, communication, and mealtime routines.
When additional medical assessment is needed, we work with families and other members of the child’s healthcare team to help determine appropriate next steps.
What Does Feeding Therapy Look Like?
For children, feeding therapy may look a lot like play.
A session might include exploring a new food, practicing chewing, drinking from a different cup, interacting with different textures, strengthening oral motor skills, or gradually becoming comfortable with a food that was previously difficult to tolerate.
We do not expect every child to walk into therapy and immediately eat a plate of unfamiliar foods.
Progress may begin with simply tolerating a food nearby. Then touching it. Smelling it. Bringing it to the lips. Tasting it. Eventually, that food may become something the child can comfortably eat.
For another child, therapy may focus less on food acceptance and more on developing the oral motor coordination needed to safely chew and manage age appropriate textures.
The treatment depends on the child.
A Parent's Perspective on Feeding Therapy Progress
“[My son] has been going to Rogers Bridge Pediatric Therapy for over two years now I believe. In the beginning, it was very difficult for him to eat new things or to even try them. He has always been a soft texture kid, which means he only preferred mashed potatoes and oatmeal. As much as I tried to get him to eat new things, he always refused, but with Kylie‘s help and a lot of patience, he has finally been able to eat everything!! Fruits, vegetables, protein, and even junk food!! The journey was rough, but overall it was worth it. I’m so happy that my son is able to enjoy things that I cook for him or if we stop to grab something to eat now. I’m so grateful for Kylie for all her help and assistance that she has been able to provide this wonderful joyous accomplishment for [my son]. She is truly heaven sent.”
— Janda S. (mom)
Parents Are an Important Part of Feeding Therapy
What happens outside the therapy room is just as important as what happens during a session.
Our therapists work closely with parents and caregivers to help them understand their child’s feeding difficulties and learn strategies they can use at home.
We want families to understand not only what to do, but why we are doing it.
Small, consistent changes at home can make an enormous difference in a child’s progress and can help turn mealtimes into a more positive experience for the entire family.
Looking for Pediatric Feeding Therapy Near Lawrenceville, Georgia?
If you are searching for pediatric feeding therapy near me, you may be wondering how to find someone who understands your child’s specific feeding needs.
Rogers Bridge Pediatric Therapy provides pediatric feeding therapy in Lawrenceville, Georgia, serving families from Lawrenceville and surrounding communities, including Suwanee, Duluth, Dacula, Grayson, Snellville, Lilburn, and other areas of Gwinnett County and metro Atlanta.
Our goal is not simply to get a child to eat more foods.
We want to determine what is making feeding difficult, build the skills needed for successful eating, support safe and appropriate feeding development, and help families feel more confident at mealtimes.
Does My Child Need a Feeding Evaluation?
Parents are often told that their child will eventually grow out of picky eating or feeding difficulties. Sometimes they do. But persistent feeding difficulties deserve attention, especially when they affect nutrition, safety, development, participation, or family life.
You do not have to wait until feeding becomes overwhelming to ask questions.
If you are concerned about your child’s feeding skills, talk with your pediatrician about whether a pediatric feeding evaluation may be appropriate.
Rogers Bridge Pediatric Therapy provides feeding evaluations and individualized feeding therapy for children with sensory, oral motor, behavioral, developmental, and swallowing related feeding concerns.
Looking for a pediatric feeding therapist near Lawrenceville, GA? Contact us to learn more about our feeding therapy services and whether an evaluation may be appropriate for your child.
Our speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists support children with feeding therapy and other developmental needs.