feeding therapy

Feeding and swallowing therapy can significantly improve quality of life by helping individuals safely and comfortably eat and drink, reducing the risk of choking, aspiration, and malnutrition. Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists use specialized techniques to strengthen oral muscles, improve coordination, and modify food textures to suit individual needs. For children, this therapy can enhance their ability to explore new foods and develop healthy eating habits, while for adults recovering from conditions like stroke or neurological disorders, it can restore independence and confidence in mealtime routines. By addressing both physical and sensory challenges, feeding and swallowing therapy ensures that individuals can enjoy nourishing meals without discomfort, leading to better health, greater social engagement, and an overall improved sense of well-being.

Oral Motor Delays or Weakness

Building strength and coordination
Chewing and bolus formation
Oral sensory awareness
Improving self-feeding skills
Safe swallowing strategies
Parent and caregiver guidance
Collaboration with dietitians and healthcare providers
Building confidence and enjoyment of food

Prematurity-related feeding difficulties

Strengthening oral muscles
Coordinating suck-swallow-breathe patterns
Supporting bottle and breast feeding
Managing fatigue and endurance
Safe swallowing practices
Sensory and oral awareness
Parent and caregiver coaching
Collaboration with pediatric providers

sensory processing disorders

Building tolerance for new foods and textures
Improving oral sensory awareness
Developing oral motor skills
Creating positive mealtime experiences
Safe swallowing strategies
Parent and caregiver coaching
Collaboration with occupational therapists and dietitians
Encouraging independence and confidence

failure to thrive

Assessing feeding and swallowing skills
Improving oral motor strength and coordination
Safe and effective feeding strategies
Diet and texture recommendations
Building endurance and mealtime stamina
G-tube & NG-tube weaning
Parent and caregiver guidance
Encouraging positive mealtime experiences

transitioning to oral feeding

Building oral motor strength
Developing sucking, swallowing, and breathing coordination
Introducing tastes, textures, and foods gradually
G-tube & NG-tube weaning
Safe swallowing techniques
Parent and caregiver coaching
Monitoring progress closely

Swallowing Disorders

Assessing swallowing skills
Teaching safe swallowing techniques
Texture and diet management
Improving endurance and efficiency
Parent and caregiver coaching
G-tube & NG-tube weaning
Collaboration with doctors, dietitians, and other specialists
Building confidence and enjoyment at mealtimes

gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd)

Safe feeding techniques
Oral motor strengthening
Managing food textures and consistencies
Promoting positive mealtime experiences
Parent and caregiver coaching
Monitoring food tolerance
Encouraging confidence and independence

cleft palate

Safe feeding techniques
Specialized bottle or nipple use
Strengthening oral muscles
Oral motor development
Monitoring growth and nutrition
Parent and caregiver coaching
Collaborating with surgeons, ENT specialists and dietitians
Promoting positive mealtime experiences

food refusal & extreme picky eating

Gradual food exposure
Building positive mealtime experiences
Improving oral motor skills
Addressing sensory sensitivities
Parent and caregiver coaching
Meal planning and routine support
Collaborating with dietitians and other specialists
Encouraging independence and confidence