• Medical procedures and medical problems that may have caused eating to be delayed or painful.
• Delays in the development of motor skills that support posture, breathing and coordination of the muscles of the mouth for safe, efficient and pleasurable eating
• Sensory challenges that impact the ability to tolerate foods of various textures and temperatures
• Negative experiences with food that impacts relationships with caregivers and contributes to social, emotional and behavioral concerns at mealtime.

Treatment of feeding disorders often requires coordination of services from a multidisciplinary team. Occupational therapy services are directed towards developing your child’s sensory and motor skills and providing the social-emotional support for positive mealtime experiences. At Play to Grow Developmental Therapy Services we will work closely with the other specialists you have identified to provide you with coordinated services. If this is your first step in exploring feeding problems, we will assist you to develop additional resources and connect with the professionals you need to address your child’s unique concerns.

Would your child benefit from a feeding program? Contact us for further information.

We integrate neurodevelopmental, oral-motor, sensory and relationship-based approaches into our treatment of feeding concerns.

Is Feeding a Problem?

• Ongoing poor weight gain
• Choking, gagging, or coughing during meals
• History of eating and breathing coordination problems with recurrent respiratory infections
• Difficulty transitioning to fluids, purees and/or solid foods
• Ongoing problems with nasal reflux
• Ongoing problems with vomiting
• Avoidance of all foods with a specific texture, temperature or other sensory property
• Food range of less than 20 foods, especially if foods drop from preferred list over time with no new foods being added
• Mealtimes that feel like “battlegrounds”