St. Claire’s occupational and speech therapists have received specialized
training in feeding and swallowing to provide the best treatment available
to help children and their families address mild to severe feeding concerns.
We work with children from birth through 18 years old who have feeding
disorders as well as picky eating, which can put children at risk for
health and growth concerns.
Our therapists utilize a positive treatment approach, allowing children
to become active eaters and develop a more positive experience with food.
We respect that your child has the right to refuse to eat. Our job is
to build trust, develop skills, establish routine, and find a therapeutic
method in which your child is motivated to eat what we’re offering
them. Aversive methods are not used except in highly unique circumstances.
In order to determine the best treatment, you will be asked to complete
a feeding case history, and your child will be evaluated by the functional
feeding team. If needed, a video fluoroscopy swallow study may also be
scheduled. The team will then establish individualized goals and determine
the best course of treatment.
How Can Therapy Help?
Therapy can help children who exhibit symptoms such as:
Delays in oral motor skills, such as being unable to suck (drink) from
a bottle or chew a variety of foods
Restricted or picky eating due to sensory, motor, or social challenges
Feeding disorders related to medical conditions
Swallowing difficulties
Feeding disorders associated with developmental disorders such as autism
spectrum disorders
Significant social or behavioral problems that impact eating
Those ready for the transition from IV or tube feeding to eating by mouth
Delays in increasing variety and volume of foods
What Are the Goals of Therapy?
Individualized goals may include:
Gain weight and grow
Accept food and drinks by mouth
Increase the variety, volume, and textures of foods eaten
Learn to chew and manage a bite of food
Improve the safety of his or her swallow
Drink from a bottle or a cup
Acquire or improve self-feeding skills
Decrease or eliminate tube feedings/TPN
Decrease mealtime stress, anxiety, and negative behaviors
Improve enjoyment of mealtimes with the parent, family, and/or caregiver
We believe family involvement and training is critical to success. Families
are encouraged to actively participate in therapy sessions and will be
instructed on how to carry over treatment programs at home. We will teach
your family a variety of techniques and skills to help you manage your
child’s eating in a step-by-step process.
Your therapy team may also suggest collaboration with your child’s
support services, including school therapists, teachers, home nurses,
and/or early intervention providers.
