When to Seek Feeding Therapy for Your Child: A Guide for Parents

As parents, we all want to see our children thrive, and this includes helping them develop healthy eating habits. But for some kids, eating can become a challenge. Whether it’s due to sensory sensitivities, developmental delays, or behavioral issues, some children struggle with feeding. If you’re concerned about your child’s eating habits, you may be wondering when it’s time to seek feeding therapy. In this post, we’ll walk you through the signs that your child might benefit from professional support and the potential benefits of feeding therapy.

What is Feeding Therapy?

Feeding therapy is a specialized type of therapy that helps children overcome challenges related to eating, drinking, and swallowing. It is often conducted by a pediatric speech-language pathologist or an occupational therapist with experience in feeding disorders. These therapists can help address a range of issues, from picky eating to more serious feeding difficulties, and work with both the child and family to promote positive eating behaviors.

Signs Your Child Might Need Feeding Therapy

Here are some common characteristics that might indicate your child could benefit from feeding therapy:

1. Limited Diet or Picky Eating

It’s common for children to have favorite foods and be selective in what they eat, but if your child’s diet is very limited or restricted to just a few foods (like only eating white foods, for example), it could be a sign that something deeper is going on. Extreme picky eating can sometimes stem from sensory sensitivities or behavioral issues and can lead to nutritional imbalances.

2. Difficulty Transitioning to New Foods

If your child struggles significantly when trying new textures or types of food (such as refusing to eat fruits or vegetables or gagging on new textures), this could indicate an issue with sensory processing or oral motor development, both of which can be addressed with feeding therapy.

3. Trouble with Chewing or Swallowing

Children who have difficulty chewing food properly or swallowing without choking might be showing signs of a physical or developmental feeding issue. This could be a sign that they need professional support to help strengthen oral motor skills or to address other underlying issues like oral aversion.

4. Food Aversion or Fear of Eating

If your child shows an active avoidance of meals, has extreme distress around eating, or even becomes upset or anxious when food is introduced, it may be indicative of food aversion. Feeding therapists can work to reduce these fears and help the child feel more comfortable during mealtime.

5. Frequent Vomiting or Gagging

Frequent gagging or vomiting during meals, especially beyond the typical stage of development, is a concern. These symptoms may be associated with issues such as reflux, swallowing difficulties, or a sensory aversion to certain textures. It’s essential to consult a feeding therapist if your child exhibits this behavior.

6. Slow Weight Gain or Poor Growth

If your child is not gaining weight or growing at a typical rate despite a seemingly adequate diet, this could be a sign that they are not eating enough or absorbing nutrients properly. A feeding therapist can help identify the cause of poor feeding behaviors that could be impacting your child’s growth.

7. Social or Emotional Struggles with Mealtime

Some children may have a negative association with mealtime, especially if they’ve experienced stress or trauma related to feeding. If mealtimes are consistently filled with arguments, tears, or tension, feeding therapy can help to create a more positive and relaxed eating environment.

8. Developmental Delays or Disabilities

Children with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, or other diagnoses may face unique challenges related to feeding. These children may have heightened sensitivities to textures or a reduced interest in eating. A feeding therapist can work with these children in a specialized way to help them meet their nutritional needs.

How Feeding Therapy Can Help

Feeding therapy takes a holistic approach to address a child’s physical, emotional, and sensory needs when it comes to eating. A feeding therapist will typically:

• Assess the child’s feeding behaviors and pinpoint any issues related to motor skills, sensory processing, and food preferences.

• Provide strategies to gradually expand the child’s food choices, help them tolerate new textures, and increase their oral motor skills.

• Help the child develop positive mealtime behaviors by using play-based activities and gradually desensitizing any fears or aversions.

• Support parents by giving them tools to manage mealtime challenges and create a positive, stress-free eating environment.
  

When to Seek Help

If you notice any of the signs above, it’s a good idea to seek professional help. A pediatrician can help you determine whether feeding therapy is necessary and provide a referral to a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist. If you’re unsure whether feeding therapy is the right choice for your child, it’s always better to ask for guidance early on rather than wait until the issue becomes more serious.

Feeding issues can affect a child’s health, growth, and well-being, but they are treatable with the right support. If your child is struggling with eating, don’t hesitate to explore feeding therapy as an option. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s relationship with food and mealtime. With the right guidance and support, your child can develop a healthier, happier approach to eating.