O’Brien Wellness offers a holistic approach to feeding therapy that understands the intricacies between the medical, nutritional, and psychosocial needs of the child, and the family. Whether your child struggles with picky eating, or has established rigid food preferences, feeding therapy can help.
Feeding challenges may present from health or chronic conditions, or from a psychosocial/psychological etiology, but most often they are a combination of both. A thorough physical assessment of oral motor skills & structures in conjunction with a detailed history of feeding skills, as well as an understanding of the family goals, provides the template for an individualized plan for your child.
Feeding challenges are complex in nature, and may involve one more more of the following dysfunctions
- Psychosocial issues
- Level of alertness
- Impaired postural control
- Oral motor issues
- Sensory issues
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Cardiorespiratory issues
- Structural issues
- Swallowing issues
- Interoception issues
- Feeding avoidance or aversion
- Picky eating
(Marcus, S. & Breton, S. (Eds.). (2022). Infant and child feeding and swallowing: Occupational therapy assessment and intervention (2nd ed.). AOTA Press.)
Feeding therapy utilizes a multisensory approach to help the child feel empowered to develop the skills and confidence to expand their food repertoire (and meet their nutritional needs!).
If you have concerns about your child, schedule a free consultation today!