Feeding Therapy

Pediatric feeding disorders occur when a child has difficulty with oral intake as compared to same-aged peers. These difficulties can be due to problems with physical structure and function, swallowing ability, medical, nutritional, sensory, or psychosocial factors. For children with feeding difficulties, every bite of food can be effortful, scary, or painful, potentially affecting nutrition, development, growth, and overall well-being. 

At Thriveable, we understand how challenging mealtimes can be when a child is struggling with feeding issues. We also recognize that introducing new or difficult foods can feel overwhelming for both parents and children. That’s why we take a compassionate, step-by-step approach to help your child eat better. During a feeding evaluation, our specialized therapist conducts a thorough medical and feeding history, examines oral structure and function, and observes the child during feeding. Our therapy sessions are designed to be both fun and engaging, while building the essential skills needed for your child to eat a variety of age-appropriate foods safely and comfortably. We evaluate and treat the following feeding difficulties:

• Difficulty with chewing

• Pocketing or holding food in the mouth

• Dysphagia/Swallowing difficulty

• Picky eating

• Limited food variety

• Food aversions and refusals

• Food jags

• Poor appetite

• Overstuffing mouth with food

• Drinking from a straw or open cup

• Structural differences such as tongue tie, lip tie, or cleft palate

• G-tube transition