Feeding and Swallowing Therapy

What is Feeding & Swallowing Therapy?

Feeding and Swallowing Therapy is a therapeutic service that instructs adults, families and children about how to overcome difficulties with picky eating and problem feeding. With adults, therapy focuses on regaining oral motor skills, rebuilding muscle strength and coordination, implementing positioning techniques, and diet modifications. Pediatric feeding therapy employs play and systematic desensitization approaches to increase a child’s sense of safety and comfort with foods.

So, who needs feeding/swallowing therapy?

Feeding & swallowing therapy is provided to adults who have lost eating/swallowing functions due to an acquired condition or trauma (a condition called Dysphagia). Children who receive feeding therapy typically struggle with picky eating, difficulties following mealtime routines and expectations, trouble with chewing, drinking, and/or swallowing, poor oral motor skills, and sensory aversions.

Who provides the service?

Feeding therapy is provided by a Speech Language Pathologist or an Occupational Therapist. Here at Behavioral Health Clinic in Wausau, we have a licensed SLP on staff who has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with feeding and swallowing difficulties.

What does feeding therapy look like?

Feeding therapy is typically one 60-minute session per week. For adults, feeding/swallowing therapy uses various oral and throat exercises to regain strength and function, while also practicing trials of various textures of foods. In pediatric therapy, parents and their children participate in play with food, while also exploring various shapes, colors, textures, tastes, and preparations of common foods. Emphasis is also placed on mealtime routines and expectations, as well as tools to use at home to encourage improved mealtime experiences! Most importantly, feeding therapy is FUN! It’s not a time to address table manners — the emphasis is truly on getting comfortable with food and meeting the child right where they are at.

Why is feeding & swallowing therapy important?

The goal of therapy is to help the person regain their sense of security, enjoyment, and control over their daily diet. Every person has the right to safe and enjoyable eating!

How do I know if my child needs feeding therapy?

Click here to take this short quiz and determine if you would qualify for a feeding evaluation!

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