FEEDING AND SWALLOWING THERAPY
Feeding-swallowing therapy assesses and treats children with feeding and swallowing difficulties. Our therapists help to identify picky eaters vs. problem feeders where the goal is to allow the child to interact with a variety of food through fun and playful approaches. Our skilled occupational and speech therapists have in-depth experience and training to help children with a variety of feeding challenges.
There are many actions which have to occur in the mouth and throat in order for us to normally suck, chew and swallow food/drink. Swallowing disorders are also called dysphagia, and can occur at different stages of the swallowing process.
If you notice your child having some of the following signs, a feeding / swallowing evaluation should be conducted:
Irritability or lack of alertness during feeding
Refusing food or liquid
Failure to accept different textures of food
Long feeding times
Difficulty chewing
Coughing or gagging during meals
Excessive drooling or food / liquid coming out of the mouth or nose
Difficulty coordinating breathing with eating and drinking
Hoarseness, gurgling or poor voice quality
Frequent spitting or vomiting
Less than normal weight gain or growth
Our speech therapists work with your child’s pediatrician to determine the limitations during the swallowing process and develop the appropriate treatment plan to ensure your child can take needed food and liquids. Pediatric therapy helps to improve the strength and coordination of the tongue, mouth and throat to facilitate normal sucking, chewing and swallowing.
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