Feeding

Both children with developmental disabilities and neurologically typical children may struggle with a variety of feeding problems.  Some of these problems may include:

• Food refusal
• Food selectivity
• Oral or fine motor deficits that impede eating (difficulty biting, chewing, swallowing, moving tongue, sealing lips, using utensils, etc.)

We offer evaluations, parent training, and therapy for children presenting with these feeding problems.  The evaluation process helps to determine the cause of the feeding challenge and how to overcome it.  Because we have both behavior analysts and occupational therapy practitioners on staff, we are able to develop comprehensive plans that address both the source of reinforcement and any motor challenges that make eating and drinking difficult.  Treatment plans may address any of the following issues:

• Increasing variety of foods/drinks accepted
• Increasing volume of foods/drinks accepted
• Accepting a greater variety of food textures and temperatures
• Modifying the speed of food/drink consumption
• Decreasing problematic behaviors that interfere with meals

Teaching the oral motor skills necessary to independently, safely, and neatly consume a variety of foods/drinks.