Feeding Therapy Services

Supporting children with feeding difficulties, picky eating, and swallowing concerns

What is Pediatric Feeding Therapy?

Pediatric feeding therapy addresses difficulties with eating and swallowing. Our Speech Pathologists assess and treat oral motor skills, sensory processing related to eating, and swallowing safety to help children develop healthy eating habits.

We use a supportive, family-centered approach that reduces mealtime stress and builds positive relationships with food.

Important Safety Note

If your child is experiencing choking episodes, coughing during meals, or significant weight loss, please seek immediate medical evaluation before starting therapy.

Feeding Difficulties We Address

Picky Eating

  • Extremely limited food repertoire
  • Food refusal and rigidity
  • Sensory-based food aversions
  • Texture or color preferences
  • Mealtime tantrums

Oral Motor Issues

  • Weak chewing skills
  • Difficulty managing textures
  • Tongue thrust patterns
  • Poor lip closure
  • Delayed oral motor development

Swallowing Concerns

  • Coughing or choking during meals
  • Recurrent chest infections
  • Prolonged mealtimes
  • Food pocketing in cheeks
  • Wet/gurgly voice after eating

Who Can Benefit?

Children who may benefit from feeding therapy include those:

  • With diagnosed feeding disorders or dysphagia
  • Born prematurely with feeding difficulties
  • With autism and sensory food aversions
  • Transitioning from tube feeding to oral feeding
  • With cerebral palsy or genetic conditions affecting feeding
  • Experiencing failure to thrive due to feeding issues
  • With cleft lip/palate repair history
  • Refusing entire food groups or textures

Our Therapeutic Approach

Comprehensive Assessment

Detailed evaluation of oral motor skills, sensory processing, feeding history, and mealtime behaviours.

Individualized Plans

Customised therapy targeting your child's specific feeding challenges and family goals.

Sensory-Based Strategies

Gradual exposure to new foods through play and exploration without pressure.

Parent Coaching

Equipping parents with strategies to support healthy eating at home during daily meals.

What to Expect

Initial Assessment: Observation of mealtime, oral motor examination, and discussion of feeding history and concerns.

Therapy Sessions: Hands-on work with your child, sensory food exploration, oral motor exercises, and parent education.

Home Program: Practical strategies and activities to implement between therapy sessions.

Collaborative Care: We work closely with occupational therapists, dietitians, and pediatricians when needed.

Specialised Services

Tube Weaning Support

Gradual transition from tube feeding to oral feeding with medical team coordination.

Modified Texture Programs

Working with children who require modified food and liquid consistencies for safe swallowing.

Mealtime Environment

Creating positive, low-pressure mealtime routines that reduce anxiety and increase participation.

Make Mealtimes Easier for Your Family

Book a free consultation to discuss your child's feeding concerns

Book Free Consultation