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Feeding Therapy is a type of Occupational therapy that helps children with feeding difficulties develop the skills they need to eat independently. It is usually recommended for children who have oral motor difficulties or sensory aversions.
Feeding Therapy aims to improve the child’s ability to chew and digest food. Feeding Therapy may also help the child develop a healthier relationship with food and mealtimes. It can be an important part of treatment for many medical conditions, such as Cleft Lip/Palate, Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy.
Feeding Therapy may also be helpful for children who have difficulty eating because of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or anxiety. Feeding Therapists use a variety of techniques to help children learn how to eat independently.
These may include sensory integration techniques, oral motor exercises, and behavioral interventions. Feeding Therapy is often provided in individual sessions, but can also be offered in group settings.
Families are typically involved in Feeding Therapy, as they can help carry the skills learned in therapy into the home environment. Treatment is typically provided in weekly sessions, although some children may require more frequent sessions. With proper intervention, many children are able to develop the skills necessary for independent eating.
There are many different causes of feeding difficulties in children. For example, some children have difficulty because of a medical condition.
Poor oral motor skills, such as weak muscles and reduced range of motion, can make it difficult to chew food. Additionally, some children have Sensory Processing Disorder, which is hypersensitive to certain textures, temperatures, or tastes.
As a result, these children may refuse to eat certain foods or have difficulty transitioning to new textures.
Ultimately, feeding difficulties can be caused by various physical, psychological, and medical factors.
The success of Feeding Therapy requires a high level of commitment from the child and the family. Mobile Therapy Centers of Tennessee understands Feeding Therapy’s demands on a family.
That’s why we offer in-home and center-based feeding therapy services. We also offer consultation services to help families develop an at-home feeding plan.
OUR FEEDING THERAPISTS SPECIALIZE IN SEVERAL AREAS:
Your child’s welfare and comfort are always our priority. Our team of specialists will partner with you, your child, and other essential support system members to create an environment that promotes growth and success.
If you are interested in Feeding Therapy services, please get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation.
Feeding Therapy helps children with feeding and eating difficulties. Feeding therapy aims to improve a child’s eating ability by improving their oral motor skills, teaching them how to self-feed, and increasing their food intake.
Feeding Therapy can also help children with difficulty transitioning from liquid to solid foods and those who are picky eaters or have Sensory Processing Disorders.
Feeding Therapy has several advantages, including:
Feeding Therapy can benefit both the child and the family, as it can improve the child’s nutrition and quality of life and decrease stress for the family.
Emotional well-being is another important benefit of Feeding Therapy. For example, many children who have difficulty eating feel frustrated, anxious, or embarrassed about their condition.
Feeding Therapy can help children cope with these feelings and build self-confidence. Remember that every child is different and that the benefits of Feeding Therapy will vary from child to child.
If you are the parent of a child struggling with feeding, please consider contacting Mobile Therapy Centers for a free consultation. Our specialists can help your child overcome their feeding difficulties and enjoy a healthy, happy life.
If you’ve decided to seek Feeding Therapy for your child, you may wonder what to expect from the sessions. For example, a Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist provides Feeding Therapy with specialized training in evaluating and treating feeding disorders.
The first step in Feeding Therapy is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which may include observing your child eat, interviewing you about your child’s eating habits and development, and reviewing your child’s medical history. Based on the evaluation, the therapist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.
Treatment may involve:
The therapist may also provide education and support for you as a caregiver.
Feeding Therapy sessions are typically held once or twice weekly depending on your child’s needs. With consistency and progress, your child will eventually be able to transition to eating without the help of therapy.
The benefits of Feeding Therapy can be life-changing for both children and their families. Feeding Therapy can improve a child’s nutrition and growth, oral motor skills, social skills, and self-esteem. It can also decrease stress for the family and improve the quality of life for everyone involved.
If you’re looking for help with your child’s Feeding therapy, call Mobile Therapy Centers today! We offer comprehensive feeding evaluations, and individualized treatment plans to help your child reach their goals.
Our therapists are experienced and qualified, and we pride ourselves on providing quality care that meets the needs of each child.
Contact us today to learn more!
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Elaina is a part of our MTC Occupational Therapy Department and received an education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, McHenry County College, and Husson University. She has a strong passion for working with both animals and children. Elaina has always wanted to incorporate both of these passions into her career and is incredibly excited to bring Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) to Mobile Therapy Centers!
Rocky is an Australian Mountain Doodle who loves to learn, play, and meet new people. Rocky joined our MTC team when he was just 8 weeks old and has been training to support the clients of MTC from day one. His kind and loving nature makes him the perfect match for Animal-Assisted Therapy, and Rocky can not wait to meet all his new friends through the MTC AAT program!