Feeding therapy is a specialized type of therapy that focuses on helping children overcome food-related challenges. This type of therapy is often recommended for children who have difficulty eating or drinking, such as picky eaters, children with sensory processing disorders, or children with medical conditions that affect their ability to eat.
In Atlanta, Talk About Therapy – Speech Therapy is an example of a private practice that offers feeding therapy services. The feeding therapists at Talk About Therapy – Speech Therapy use a variety of evidence-based techniques to help children develop positive associations with food, improve their oral motor skills, and expand their food preferences.
Feeding therapy typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of the child’s feeding skills and behaviors. This may include assessing the child’s oral motor skills, sensory processing abilities, and overall nutritional status. Based on the evaluation, the feeding therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the child’s specific feeding challenges and goals.
Treatment may involve a range of interventions, such as:
- Oral motor exercises to improve the strength and coordination of the muscles used for eating and drinking
- Sensory integration techniques to help children become more comfortable with different textures, tastes, and temperatures of food
- Food chaining to gradually expand a child’s food preferences by introducing new foods that are similar to foods they already like
- Behavioral strategies to promote positive mealtime behaviors and reduce mealtime anxiety
- Parent education and training to help parents support their child’s feeding progress and promote healthy eating habits at home.
Feeding therapy can have a significant impact on a child’s overall health and well-being. By helping children overcome their feeding challenges, feeding therapy can improve their nutritional status, growth and development, and overall quality of life. It can also help reduce mealtime stress for both the child and their family, improving family dynamics and relationships.
Talk About Therapy – Speech Therapy is a trusted provider of high-quality feeding therapy services in Atlanta. Their experienced feeding therapists use evidence-based techniques and a child-centered approach to help children overcome their food-related challenges and reach their full potential. If you’re concerned about your child’s feeding skills or behaviors, seeking the help of a feeding therapist can make a significant difference in their health and well-being.