Services: Feeding
Feeding therapy addresses the needs of children who have difficulty progressing with their feeding skills. A feeding disorder includes problems such as food refusal/acceptance, difficulty consuming age-appropriate foods, and the inability to consume adequate calories. Current research indicates that the prevalence of feeding disorders is 25% in all children and 80% in the developmentally disabled population (Manikam & Perman, 2000). Our therapists look at the 3 areas, identified by research, that are the most common risk factors impeding positive practice and contributing to feeding disruption: medical problems, motor abnormalities, and behavior patterns. Depending on the child’s needs, therapy may involve oral-motor intervention, behavioral intervention, medical intervention (provided by primary care physician and therapists consult with physician), and/or a combination of these. The following is a list of possible reasons to make a referral for feeding therapy:
Behavioral Issues
- Expelling
- Gagging
- Holding food
- Avoiding/Refusing food
- Vomiting/Retching
- Poor Mouth Opening
Underlying Conditions/Medical Diagnoses
- History of Reflux (GERD)
- Dysphagia
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Prematurity
- Failure to Thrive
- Genetic Syndromes
- Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
- Food Allergies
- Metabolic Disorders