Feeding Therapy

Feeding is a complex skill, and difficulties with feeding can be brought on due to psychological, physical, oral motor, and/or sensory needs that can significantly impact the quality of life of the client and their family.

Feeding therapy may be performed by an Occupational Therapist or Speech Language Pathologist. An interdisciplinary approach to feeding is often utilized, and our team here at Autism Care Partners can work with you and your family to create an effective care plan that accommodates the needs of your child.

Therapists use a whole body and sensory-based approach in feeding therapy to increase the client’s oral motor skills, comfort with food exploration, and participation in mealtimes. Individuals who may benefit from feeding therapy include those who: display restrictive eating, will gag or vomit when presented with new foods, avoid certain textures, reject foods that are usually part of a child’s diet, and/or those who are anxious around mealtimes. The goal of feeding therapy is to increase the client’s exposure and acceptance to new foods in a therapeutic and playful way while avoiding power struggles and placing pressure on the client to eat.