Feeding Therapy

Feeding Therapy Establishes Safe
and Healthy Feeding Patterns

Pediatric feeding therapy evaluates and treats the oral motor dysfunctions, taste/texture transition difficulties and abnormal mealtime behaviors that affect approximately 25-30% of all children and up to 80% of children with developmental disabilities. Theraplay is part of a multidisciplinary evaluation team that can include a pediatrician, gastroenterologist, nutritionist, occupational therapist, speech therapist and behaviorist. Theraplay therapists consult with appropriate medical and therapy staff to ensure children are developing safe and healthy feeding patterns.

Common Diagnoses Treated In Feeding Therapy^*

Total or Partial Food Refusal
Food Selectivity/Limited Variety
Texture Selectivity
Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorder)
Vomiting (Reflux, Other)
Self-Feeding Deficits
Oral Motor Delays/Coordination Deficits
Sensory Issues (Hyper/Hyposensitivity)
Behavioral Issues
Lack of Postural Stability And Body Control
Limited Volume (Amount of Liquid or Food That Can Be Taken In)
Inability To Manipulate Food or Liquid Safely (Coughing, Choking)
Difficulty Chewing/Excessive Food Stuffing In Mouth
Failure To Thrive/Lack of Adequate Weight Gain
Structural Problems (Mouth or Digestive System)
Medical Problems (Respiratory Issues or Difficulties, Vocal Cord Paralysis, etc.)
Transition from Tube Feedings to Feeding by Mouth
zA Combination of Any/All of The Above

*May include additional diagnoses. Please contact us for specific questions.

Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment

A feeding evaluation with a Theraplay occupational or speech therapist may include the following:

Detailed History-Medical, Feeding and Developmental
Related Body Functions Examination
Observation of Posture While Feeding
Oral Motor Examination
Oral Motor Awareness to Tastes and Textures
Swallow Function
Play Skills Observation
Feeding Observation with Parent/Caregiver
Clinical Observation
Functional Outcome Measures

Feeding Therapy Treatment Strategies

Oral Motor Awareness
Strengthening of Oral Motor Structures
Coordination of Suck-Swallow, Bite-Chew-Swallow
Food Exploration and Tolerance
Sensory Based Feeding Activities
Graded Approach
Self Feeding Skills Training
Parent/Caregiver Education
Play Activities
Behavioral Techniques
Home Exercise/Feeding Program
Postural Control and Alignment
Modeling
Visual, Verbal and Physical Cuing
Sara Rosenfeld Johnson Oral Motor & Feeding Program

Testimonials

“My son literally squeals in delight when he gets to the entrance of Theraplay. We especially love Mary Rita and Marissa who are the two PTs that he usually sees. They seem like they really care about him and have always handled our questions with grace and positivity. We also see Elisabeth for feeding and she has helped us to make terrific progress in that area. I want to pass on my kudos for the whole group!”

– JD