Feeding Therapy in Franklin, TN

What Is Feeding Therapy? What you need to know.

Feeding Therapy is a type of Occupational Therapy that helps children with chewing and other skills related to eating. It is usually recommended for children who have oral motor difficulties or sensory aversions. Children who have feeding difficulties may have trouble with any or all of these activities.

They may also have difficulty with food selectivity, which means they are picky eaters or only eat a limited variety of foods. Feeding difficulties can also be caused by medical conditions.

They can also be caused by Sensory Processing Disorder, a condition that makes it difficult for the brain to process information from the senses.

Feeding Therapy in Franklin, TN

Feeding Therapists use various techniques to help children with feeding difficulties, including oral motor exercises, behavior management, and nutritional counseling. In addition, the therapist will work with the child and their family to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Treatment may involve changes to the child’s diet, modifications to mealtimes, and/or specific exercises or activities to improve the child’s feeding skills. Feeding Therapy can be very effective in helping children overcome feeding difficulties and develop healthy eating habits for life.

What are the causes of children’s feeding difficulties?

Studies have shown many possible causes of children’s feeding difficulties. Some causes are medical, such as Cerebral Palsy or Down Syndrome.

Other causes are related to the child’s environment, such as poverty or chaotic mealtimes. And some causes are due to the way the child’s brain processes information from the senses, which is called Sensory Processing Disorder. All of these factors can contribute to a child’s struggle to eat. For example, a child with Cerebral Palsy may have difficulty sitting at the table or bringing food to his mouth.

A child living in poverty may be too distracted by hunger or lack adequate nutrition to focus on eating. And a child with Sensory Processing Disorder may be repelled by certain textures or smells, making it difficult to try new foods.

Thankfully, many resources are available to help families identify and address the root cause of their child’s feeding difficulties. With the right support, children can learn to enjoy mealtime once again.

Mobile Therapy Centers has been helping families with Feeding Therapy for many years. Our trained and experienced therapists use various techniques to help children with all types of feeding difficulties.

OUR FEEDING THERAPISTS SPECIALIZE IN MANY AREAS:

  • Expanding a child’s variety and intake of foods
  • Creating a positive mealtime experience
  • Work on desensitization toward textures
  • Support children by working on sensory issues & oral motor skills
  • Control & coordination of articulators (tongue, lips, cheeks)
  • Decrease drooling
  • Helps with anxiety when talking about food
  • Difficulty chewing foods, typically swallowing food in whole pieces

We are the gold standard in Feeding Therapy and are passionate about helping our clients reach their potential. If you are concerned about your child’s eating habits, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation.

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our services.

What Are the Benefits of Feeding Therapy

What Are the Benefits of Feeding Therapy?

Feeding Therapy is an Occupational Therapy that helps children with eating and drinking skills. Feeding therapy can help children who are picky eaters, have trouble chewing, are underweight or overweight, or have other feeding issues.

The goals of Feeding Therapy include:

  • Improving nutrition
  • Helping the child eat more calmly and without fussiness
  • Increasing the variety of foods the child will eat

Feeding Therapy has several benefits, including:

  • Improved nutrition and growth
  • Improved oral motor skills
  • Improved social skills
  • Improved self-esteem

The benefits of Feeding Therapy are many. It can improve the child’s nutrition, growth, and development. It can also reduce stress for the child and family, and improve social skills and interactions around mealtimes.

Feeding Therapy can greatly improve the quality of life for children and families struggling with feeding issues. By working with a therapist, children and families can learn how to navigate mealtimes more positively and effectively. Feeding Therapy can be a valuable tool for promoting overall health and well-being.

Parents are the child’s best advocates. If you are concerned about your child’s eating habits or development, please contact us to schedule a free consultation. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our services.

What to Expect from Feeding Therapy Sessions?

Parents may feel scared and alone when they learn that their child has difficulty eating. Feeding Therapy can help children with feeding difficulties to overcome their challenges and learn to enjoy mealtimes. But what can parents expect from these sessions?

First, it is important to understand that Feeding Therapy is not a quick fix. It takes time for children to learn new skills and feel comfortable with new foods. However, the therapist will work with the child at their own pace, gradually introducing new textures and flavors.

Second, parents should be prepared to be involved in the therapy sessions. The therapist will likely want to partner with parents to help carry the skills learned in therapy to mealtimes at home. This may involve role-playing mealtimes or discussing strategies for dealing with specific challenges.

Third, it is important to have realistic expectations. While Feeding Therapy can help children make progress, there may still be times when mealtime is challenging. Be patient and remember that every step forward is a success. With time and support, your child will develop the skills they need to enjoy mealtimes again.

Feeding Therapy is a collaboration between the therapist, child, and family. Working together can help your child overcome their feeding difficulties and develop a healthier relationship with food.

Mobile Therapy Centers is dedicated to helping children and families in Franklin, TN, navigate the complex and sometimes scary world of feeding disorders. Our highly skilled and experienced therapists are compassionate and understand the challenges that you are facing.

Please contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a free consultation.

Franklin, TN to 325 Seaboard Lane Franklin, TN 37067. Driving Directions

via Franklin Rd
Fastest route now due to traffic conditions

  • Franklin Tennessee, USA
  • Follow Franklin Rd and Mack Hatcher Mem Pkwy to Cool Springs Blvd
  • Follow Cool Springs Blvd and Aspen Grove Dr to your destination
  • 325 Seaboard Ln Franklin, TN 37067, USA

Elaina Pagliarulo AACOTA/L, AAT Handler

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!

MTC's Therapy Dog: Rocky

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!