Feeding and/or swallowing therapy is often recommended if a pediatrician or caregivers express concern for inadequate nutrition and growth. Here are some common concerns that would indicate a child may benefit from therapy:
Any signs/symptoms of aspiration are present during meals including gagging, coughing, choking, and discomfort.
Eats less than 20 foods and is “picky” with certain textures and temperatures
Avoids entire food categories or only eats a few from each category
Has difficulty gaining weight and I have concerns about adequate nutrition
Pockets food in their cheeks and has trouble clearing their mouth of food residue
Takes a long time to eat (tiny bites, increased effort to chew, gets tired while eating), grazes throughout the day, or does not finish an entire meal in one sitting
Child refuses foods by throwing food, spitting foods out, running away from the table, or screaming/crying
Child is having difficulty transitioning from a bottle to open cup, to solids, or from tube to oral feeding
Child has a diagnosis that puts them at risk for feeding/swallowing challenges (e.g., acid reflux, GERD, premature birth, history of tube feeding)?
A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) will need to complete a comprehensive evaluation to determine the need for therapy and develop a plan of care if they qualify for services.
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