Feeding Therapy

What is feeding therapy?

Feeding is much more than “just taking a bite” – it is a multifaceted combination of many factors, including sensory processing (the way our brains interpret what we see, smell, feel, and where our body is in space), motor coordination, psychological influences, and medical conditions, among others. Children with feeding disorders may present as “picky,” prefer certain textures/ colors/ brands/ temperatures of foods, or only eat a few foods. They may have difficulty coordinating their jaw, tongue, lips, and cheeks in order to safely chew and swallow foods and drinks. There may be extreme anxiety around mealtimes that impacts the whole family. 

Feeding therapists at Pathway Therapy Specialists will work to uncover and address underlying obstacles to successful mealtimes through dynamic assessment, family involvement, and collaboration with other medical professionals. These may include addressing physical factors like tethered oral tissues, muscle weakness/dysfunction, airway concerns, medical conditions, or allergies; psychological factors such as anxiety and attention/behavioral challenges; sensory differences; or factors related to your child’s medical diagnosis.

At Pathway, your child will never be forced to eat—we use a slow and systematic process to ensure each step of the feeding process is one that you and your child feel comfortable taking.