Feeding Therapy
Feeding therapy is a specialized form of support that plays a crucial role in the developmental approach, particularly for children who experience difficulties with eating or feeding, including Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). It integrates various techniques and strategies to address the sensory, motor, behavioral, and nutritional aspects of feeding. This therapy aims to support not only the physical ability to eat but also the child’s positive associations with food, which are essential for healthy growth and development.
As part of our broader curriculum, feeding therapy is tailored to complement the Core Developmental Care Program. It is not provided as a stand-alone service; instead, it is prescribed based on careful assessment of each child's individual needs to ensure a well-rounded and effective developmental support system.
What is feeding therapy?
In a developmental context, feeding therapy goes beyond just teaching a child how to eat; it fosters a holistic development of safe and effective feeding practices that align with the child’s overall growth needs. Through a customized approach that considers each child's unique developmental stage and specific challenges, therapists work to create a supportive and engaging environment. This approach helps children explore new textures and flavors, develop proper mealtime behaviors, and build independence at the dining table. Feeding therapy can profoundly impact a child’s nutritional health and emotional well-being, paving the way for happier and healthier eating experiences.
Goals of feeding therapy
The goal for feeding therapy is to support healthy, sustainable eating habits that help children get the nutrition they need to grow healthy and strong, while minimizing mealtime stress. We want our clients and their families to feel joy when eating together. This therapy will:
Learn the "why" behind eating difficulties
Drive a healthier approach to eating
Minimize mealtime stress
Help our children and their families find adaptive techniques
Support healthy, sustainable eating habits
Help the child get the nutrition they need to grow healthy and strong
What is feeding therapy like for the child?
Our team uses the evidence-based SOS (Sequential-Oral-Sensory) method in the same play-based environment where we conduct our other services.
Progress that feels like play may include:
Introducing the food visually
Touching the food indirectly (such as with a fork or other kitchen utensil)
Smelling the food
Touching (and eventually tasting) the food
Eating the food
Additional services
As part of our broader curriculum, our additional services are offered to complement the Core Developmental Care Program as prescribed by your child's care team.
Mental Health
The hallmark of a child’s general prosperity. Mental health affects the ability to manage emotions and behavior. Our goal is to foster calm and confidence.
Speech & Language
Includes communication and the expression of needs and emotions. Communication can be verbal or nonverbal and we aim to improve both.
Occupational
How the child interacts with the world around them via emotional regulation, sensory processing, motor skills and planning. Our goal is to make daily life easier.
Positive Prep
Our preschool readiness program provides a safe, supportive, play-based experience that fosters relationships, self-awareness, empathy, communication, and physical development.
Autism Diagnosis
An early autism diagnosis is crucial, as it enables families to access specialized support and interventions that are vital for addressing the child’s unique needs effectively.
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