Navigating Feeding Challenges: When to Consider Feeding Therapy + What to Expect
Feeding can cause extreme frustration and worry amongst parents. For example, a child may have very specific conditions in which they will eat; or they may lack the skills to bite, chew and swallow; or they may lack the independence to self feed.
Occupational Therapists (OTs) are trained to help children with feeding and eating issues through Feeding Therapy. In this article, Synapse’ OT Kathleen Zintsmaster answers some questions about feeding therapy.
If you are curious about your child’s ability to engage in feeding or eating, schedule a free phone consultation to be connected with an OT at Synapse.
What are some reasons a parent might seek out a feeding evaluation with an OT?
A child will only eat crunchy foods, only eat a few select foods, or will only eat a banana that is sliced perfectly into pieces
A child lacks the oral motor skills to bite, chew, and swallow a muffin or an egg or successfully drink from a cup or straw
A child lacks the strength, endurance, or postural stability to maintain a safe seated posture and engage in self-feeding
A child lacks independence with meal prep and clean up, or the act of bringing food from plate to mouth with utensils
What can successful feeding therapy lead to?
Increased independence with mealtime
Increased engagement with a greater variety of foods and textures
Smoother transitions to and from mealtimes
Increased independence with feeding utensils and dishes
Increased comfort and confidence biting and chewing a variety of foods
Increased self-awareness
Why might a child have issues with feeding and eating?
A child’s engagement in feeding can be impacted by several factors, such as environmental, physical, and psychosocial. Occupational therapists take a holistic approach to assess these factors related to feeding.
What does feeding therapy look like?
Feeding therapy includes an initial evaluation and 1 to 2 sessions per week. During the initial evaluation, an OT will communicate with the family and the client regarding any concerns related to feeding and mealtime.
During an OT feeding therapy session, there are no expectations placed upon the child of consuming food. Rather the role of an OT is to promote safe engagement and confidence before, during, and after mealtime. This helps the child to increase independence with eating and self feeding a variety of foods. During a session, you can expect the OT and the child to engage in exploration, sensory strategies, and play to help decrease anxiety and increase participation.
Feeding sessions are individualized and work towards established treatment goals. Occupational therapists use a client-centered approach to address the underlying cause of difficulty, while ensuring the client feels safe and supported. We work to make sure the client is able to maintain self-regulation throughout mealtime.
Feeding is a personal and important activity of daily living that we all take part in. An occupational therapist will work to address any functional deficits while maintaining a holistic client centered approach. OTs love to have fun and see clients gain the skills and independence they need to be successful!
If you are curious about your child’s feeding or eating issues, schedule a free phone consultation to be connected with an OT at Synapse.