feeding therapy

WHY DO SOME CHILDREN HAVE DIFFICULTY EATING?

There are many reasons why a child may experience feeding difficulties or have a limited range of accepted foods.For some children, challenges may be related to medical conditions, oral motor or swallowing difficulties, or developmental differences. For others, sensory sensitivities, anxiety around eating, previous negative experiences with food, or learned feeding patterns may play a role.

At Kip Kids, we understand that every child's feeding journey is unique. Our experienced therapists work collaboratively with children and families to understand the factors influencing feeding and mealtimes. Using evidence-based, responsive feeding approaches, we support children to build confidence around food, develop feeding skills, and explore new foods and textures at their own pace. Our goal is to create positive mealtime experiences that promote both enjoyment and safety while supporting the whole family.

WOULD MY CHILD BENEFIT FROM ATTENDING FEEDING THERAPY?

Kip Kids Feeding Therapy may be beneficial if your child:

Is a fussy eater
Has poor weight gain
Spits out foods, vomits, gags or has food or drink coming out of their nose when eating
Has frequent mealtime battles
Has difficulty transitioning from purees to solids by 12 months of age
Has not weaned off baby foods by 18 months of age
Aversion or avoidance of specific textures or nutrition groups
Does not eat the same meals as the rest of the family
Experiences meltdowns or cries during mealtimes
Has very limited or restricted intake (less than 20 foods)

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL SESSION LOOK LIKE?

Sessions will be held with one of our trained Dietitans or Speech Pathologists. They will start by looking at any past and current concerns or behaviours and then help set some realistic goals with you and your child.

All sessions are planned around individual children’s goals. For some, that may be trying a wider range of coloured vegetables, meats or attempting varied textures. For others, it may just be to tolerate having a certain type of food in the same room, or on the table in front of them.

Parents are usually involved in the session so that the therapist is able to model for you and teach the skills needed to carry through to mealtimes at home. The sessions are often messy and fun, with interesting actions or reactions. More often that not this includes children trying – and enjoying – something they have previously rejected.

The sessions are very step-wise and progressive, allowing children to feel comfortable with each new texture and taste before moving onto the next.

Book a feeding consult now!

Kip Kids Speech Pathology