Pediatric Feeding
Mealtime difficulties have been estimated to occur in 1 of 4 normally developing children and in 1 of 3 individuals with developmental disorders.
Feeding problems may range from mild (missing some meals) to severe (failure to thrive).
We understand how hard it is for families when their child doesn’t eat as they feel he or she should. Sometimes there is a clearly understood reason for your child’s eating pattern, but frequently family members don’t fully understand why their child won’t eat.
Our Therapists are experienced in assisting children and their families in transitioning from non-oral to oral feedings, and helping children develop developmentally appropriate feeding skills while decreasing aversions.
Communicating and working closely with your child’s pediatrician or pediatric specialists ensures coordinated care for your child.
AT NCEENT, we provide individualized assessment and treatment of pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders for infants and children who currently have feeding difficulties or are at risk for feeding problems.
We understand how hard it is for families when their child doesn’t eat as they feel he or she should. Sometimes there is a clearly understood reason for your child’s eating pattern, but frequently family members don’t fully understand why their child won’t eat.
Pediatric Feeding Program
Our goal is to help children overcome their feeding issues and develop proper feeding skills and nutritional habits so that additional health problems can be avoided.
Our Therapists are experienced in assisting children and their families in transitioning from non-oral to oral feedings, and helping children develop developmentally appropriate feeding skills while decreasing aversions.
Communicating and working closely with your child’s pediatrician or pediatric specialists ensures coordinated care for your child.
AT NCEENT, we provide individualized assessment and treatment of pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders for infants and children who currently have feeding difficulties or are at risk for feeding problems.
What Can I Expect at the Assessment?
- A complete review of medical history
- A full review of progression of feeding skills to date, and strategies already attempted
- Assessment of your child’s oral-motor and eating skills
- Assessment of your child’s reaction to food type and textures
- Assessment of your child’s sensory needs
- Assessment of your child’s self-feeding skills
- Assessment of your child’s positioning
- Thorough explanation of findings
- Interactive goal development for intervention
- Referral information for you and your pediatrician to other specialists if indicated
What Do I Need to Bring to An Evaluation?
- Bring food and drink items that your child likes, and those with which that he has difficulty.
- Bring a variety of food textures (smooth, mixed textures, crunchy) and flavors if appropriate.
- Bring the utensils your child uses for eating (bottle, nipples, spoons, forks, bowls, etc).
- Bring information from previous feeding interventionists if appropriate.
- Bring a 3-day food diary to review.
