Feeding Therapy
Our occupational therapists have extensive training and experience in treating feeding problems in children. We use a combination of approaches that address oral-motor skills as well as the sensory and behavioral reasons behind why a child can’t eat an age-appropriate volume and variety of foods. Feeding problems should be addressed as soon as a parent or caregiver has concerns. A child may need evaluation for feeding therapy if they:
- have poor growth, poor weight gain, or even weight loss
- arch away and cry frequently during breast/bottle feedings
- drool excessively
- have poor lip closure
- have difficulty transitioning between breast/bottle, purees, mixed textures, or solids
- choke, gag, cough, or vomit during feeding
- avoid a specific texture/consistency, appearance, or smell
- avoid entire food group/s
- eat fewer than 20 foods
- eliminate foods over time
- refuse to try new foods
- refuse to try familiar foods in new environments
- battle or fight during family mealtimes, or have other negative behaviors associated with feeding
- are unable to sit at the table during meals
Beckman Oral Motor Protocol
The Beckman Oral Motor protocol is a diagnostic and treatment tool, used to identify oral motor delays and disorders (muscle weakness, muscle incoordination, and reflexive movement which interferes with normal oral motor patterns). Common signs of oral motor deficits include excessive drooling, bruxism (tooth grinding), and excessive gagging (hypersensitivity). The Protocol uses assisted movement and stretch reflexes to assess and improve range, strength, variety and control of movement for the lips, cheeks, jaw, tongue and soft palate. Since this Protocol is based on function, it is appropriate for all ages.
Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach
The SOS Approach to Feeding, developed by Dr. Kay Toomey, PhD, incorporates a structured developmental progression, to encourage playful interaction with food, increased variety and balance to food repertoire, and more successful, less stressful mealtimes.
The SOS Approach is non-invasive, and focuses on teaching basic food rules and increasing comfort level with all aspects of food exploration, including sight, smell, texture/consistency, and eventually, taste. An important component is parent education, so that food exploration sessions can be successfully replicated outside the clinic.