Feeding Therapy

Children of all ages may be affected by feeding and swallowing problems. The causes are numerous and include – but are not limited to – birth defects, genetic disorders, food aversions, gastrointestinal disorders, environmental issues, vomiting, respiratory problems, food allergies, trauma, injuries and premature birth. Feeding therapy helps children become comfortable and willing to try new foods as well as how to eat if they don’t know how to chew or manage food in their mouths.

Feeding Therapy Program by Kids Therapy Center at Advanced Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy

Kids Therapy Center follows current best practice standards for feeding therapy which is called the Sequential Oral Sensory or SOS approach to feeding. The SOS program allows children to interact with and learn about foods in a playful, non-stressful way.  Children are taught to progress up a series of steps through play activities.  Most of the time they don’t even know they are working towards eating because they are having so much fun!

Our feeding therapists at Kids Therapy have advanced training in working with children with autism spectrum disorders, infants and toddlers as well as helping children transition off tube feedings. Feeding programs are individualized for each child focusing on medical, sensory, nutritional, motor and behavioral issues.

Signs your child may benefit from feeding therapy

  • Is very selective or fussy eater
  • Limited or restricted intake (<15-20 foods)
  • Obsessive and compulsive eating behavior
  • Has excessive or poor weight gain
  • Ongoing reduced appetite/food intake
  • Chewing and swallowing food difficulties
  • Takes more than 30 minutes to eat meals
  • Spits out food, chocks, vomits or gags when eating
  • Has ongoing bloating, constipation or diarrhea
  • Has food or drink coming out of their nose when eating
  • Has difficulty transitioning from purees to solids by 12 months of age
  • Difficulty self-feeding (e.g. using spoon/fork) by 24 months of age
  • Aversion or avoidance of specific colors, textures or food groups
  • Following a special diet (e.g. thickened fluids, texture modified)
  • Experiences meltdowns or cries during mealtimes
  • Eating non-food items (e.g. dirt, grass, paper)
  • Distressful family mealtimes
  • Tube feeding

 

Schedule Your Feeding Therapy Appointment Today

Are you ready to schedule your appointment?

Call us at (973) 616-4555 or request an appointment on our website and someone from our front desk will reach out to you soon.

Click to access the login or register cheese
X