Does My Child Need Feeding Therapy?

Feeding therapy helps children learn how to eat or how to eat better. Many children have “issues” when it comes to eating. Are they a picky eater? Is texture a problem for them? Maybe they have trouble swallowing or an oral motor disorder? A pediatric-specialized Care Options for Kids therapist can review a child’s eating history, discuss the challenges with both the child and the parents, consider any medical reasons that may be causing concern, and develop a treatment plan to address your child’s feeding problems. Parents are often included in the therapy plan because of the need for consistency at every meal.

10 Signs Your Child Might Need Feeding Therapy

A child could benefit from feeding therapy if they exhibit any of the following signs:

1. Eat less than 20 foods.
2. Scream or cry when “new” foods are presented.
3. Avoid certain food groups.
4. Have aversions to textures, tastes, and smells.
5. Have overall difficulties with eating and drinking.
6. Have mealtime “behaviors.”
7. Seem to have a fear of food.
8. Have foods they once loved to eat but refuse them now.
9. Need to watch TV to eat.
10. Refuse to eat with other people or in other environments.

Whether this is an occasional issue or ongoing, Care Options for Kids offers experienced therapists who come to your home and work with your child. Every therapy session and feeding plan is based on your child's specific needs, and no two therapy plans are alike. Removing mealtime stress means a happier and healthier child and parents who look forward to family time. Your Care Options for Kids therapist will educate and support your family in any way possible to help your child overcome feeding obstacles and live his or her best life.

Please contact us today if you would like more information or to schedule therapy for your child.