Physical Therapy — Speech Therapy — Occupational Therapy — Feeding Therapy For Infants & Children

Feeding Therapy

Our Pediatric Feeding Therapy program is designed to support children facing a variety of feeding challenges. We offer Feeding Therapy for Picky Eaters, as well as specialized intervention for Oral Motor Dysfunction, Pediatric Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorders), and Gagging or Choking While Eating. Our therapists work with children experiencing Sensory Aversion, Food Texture Sensitivities, and difficulties with the Bottle-to-Cup Transition. We provide targeted therapy for Chewing Difficulties, children with Feeding Tubes, and those experiencing Silent Aspiration. Additionally, we address feeding issues related to Tongue Tie & Lip Tie, ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), and provide Feeding Therapy for Autism to ensure a supportive, individualized approach for every child’s needs.

 

Our feeding specialists support infants through elementary-aged children who experience challenges with feeding, swallowing, oral-motor coordination, or limited food acceptance. Whether your child has a medical or developmental feeding difficulty or a very selective diet, we use a responsive, evidence-based feeding approach that prioritizes safety, comfort, and positive mealtime experiences.

Feeding difficulties can be complex and overwhelming for families. The relationship between nutrition, gastrointestinal health, sensory processing, and a child’s past experiences with food often means there is no quick or simple solution. That is why our care is individualized, thoughtful, and collaborative.

Through a comprehensive intake and evaluation process, our therapy supervisors determine whether your child’s needs are best addressed by a speech-language pathologist or an occupational therapist. From the initial evaluation through ongoing treatment, your child’s therapist develops a customized plan of care tailored to your child’s strengths, challenges, and your family’s goals.

We partner closely with parents and caregivers and collaborate with other professionals involved in your child’s care to help your child become a safe, efficient, and willing participant in mealtimes, while making meals less stressful and more enjoyable for the entire family.

Our therapists have specialized training in evidence-based feeding approaches, including SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory), AEIOU, and SOFFI.

 

Red Flags of Feeding Disorders in Infants and Toddlers:

  • An infant who cries or arches while eating
  • Abnormal suck-swallow-breathe pattern
  • Poor weight gain or weight loss
  • Failure to consume enough nutrients
  • Choking, gagging, vomiting or coughing during meals
  • More than once incident of nasal reflux
  • History of a traumatic choking incident
  • History of eating and breathing coordination problems
  • Difficulty with transitioning to baby food purees by 10 months of age
  • Inability to eat table foods by 12 months of age
  • Difficulty transitioning from breast/bottle to a cup by 16 months of age
  • Difficulty chewing or keeping food/liquids in mouth
  • Food refusal for certain textures or food groups.
  • Mealtimes that last longer than 30 minutes and/or are a struggle.

Red Flags of Feeding Disorders of Children Ages 2 ½ and Older

  • Refusal to eat in a variety of settings
  • Refusal to attend or anxiety around social events that involve food
  • Food range of less than 20 foods
  • Unwillingness to try new foods 
  • Poor weight gain or weight loss
  • Failure to consume enough nutrients
  • Choking, gagging, vomiting or coughing during meals
  • History of a traumatic choking incident
  • Difficulty chewing or keeping food/liquids in mouth
  • Food refusal for certain textures or food groups.
  • Mealtimes that last longer than 30 minutes and/or are a struggle.

Abilities in Action is a Provider of Pediatric Physical Therapy, Pediatric Occupational Therapy and Pediatric Speech Therapy to Infants and Children in Monmouth County, NJ and surrounding towns and via telehealth

Abilities In Action - Pediatric: Physical Therapy | Occupational Therapy | Speech Therapy Abilities In Action, LLC


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