Feeding and swallowing challenges can affect nutrition, health, independence, family routines, and overall quality of life. Our speech-language pathologists provide individualized feeding support for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing difficulty eating, drinking, chewing, or swallowing.
Who May Benefit From Feeding Therapy?
Feeding therapy may be appropriate for individuals experiencing:
Difficulty chewing or managing different textures
A limited variety of accepted foods
Strong reactions to certain tastes, smells, or textures
Difficulty transitioning to age-appropriate foods
Coughing, choking, or frequently clearing the throat during meals
Food or liquid remaining in the mouth after swallowing
Extended or stressful mealtimes
Difficulty drinking from a bottle, cup, or straw
Oral-motor weakness or reduced coordination
Avoidance, anxiety, or discomfort surrounding food
Changes in eating or swallowing following illness, injury, surgery, or a neurological condition
Feeding and Swallowing Evaluations
A comprehensive evaluation helps us understand the factors contributing to feeding or swallowing difficulties. Depending on the client’s age and needs, the evaluation may examine:
Oral structures and movement
Lip, tongue, and jaw coordination
Biting, chewing, and swallowing skills
Management of different foods and liquids
Sensory responses to taste, texture, temperature, smell
Mealtime positioning, pacing, and routines
Food preferences and accepted food variety
Medical, developmental, and feeding history
Client and caregiver concerns and goals
Clients may be asked to bring familiar foods, utensils, or cups so that skills can be observed as naturally as possible.
Our Approach
Feeding therapy is individualized, responsive, and centered on safety, trust, and functional progress. We do not force food or use pressure-based techniques.
Treatment may focus on:
Developing efficient chewing and swallowing patterns
Improving oral awareness, strength, and coordination
Increasing comfort with new foods and textures
Expanding food variety gradually
Supporting safe drinking and utensil use
Developing greater independence during meals
Establishing practical and positive mealtime routines
Coaching family members and caregivers
Goals are selected according to each client’s abilities, priorities, medical needs, and everyday routines.
Collaborative Care
Feeding and swallowing challenges can involve medical, nutritional, sensory, structural, and behavioral factors. When appropriate, we collaborate with physicians, pediatricians, dietitians, occupational therapists, dentists, lactation consultants, and other members of the care team.
If there are concerns about swallowing safety, an instrumental swallowing assessment or additional medical evaluation may be recommended.
Have Concerns About Eating or Swallowing?
Schedule a complimentary consultation call to discuss you or your child’s needs and determine whether a feeding evaluation may be the right step.