Developmental Feeding Services

Feeding an infant or child and learning to eat independently may be difficult for some children. In such cases, mealtimes may become stressful for both the parent and child. Many times, mealtimes may turn into battles which both the parent and child dread. In these situations, feeding concerns may be addressed with occupational therapy services.

NAPA is proud to offer relationship-based developmental feeding intervention services providing specialized evaluation and treatment for children with all types of feeding concerns. Feeding difficulties occur for a variety of reasons. Children may have medical conditions that cause difficulty eating, or concerns related to a particular diagnosis, such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or autism. Some children have sensory issues that affect eating. A child may need to learn to eat by mouth after an illness or being fed by tube. Here at NAPA, we use a multidimensional approach to our treatment targeting muscular coordination, sensory processes and social experiences associated with eating. We are now also using VitalStim to treat swallowing difficulties and oral motor deficits.

Your child may benefit from occupational therapy feeding services if they:

• Dislike having their teeth brushed
• Have a limited food repertoire
• Avoid certain food textures
• Gag or vomit when eating
• Refuse to eat
• Fight eating during mealtimes
• Eat only a small amount despite hunger
• Demonstrate poor weight gain
• Are fed with a g-tube/NG-tube
• Demonstrate difficulties with chewing
• Overstuff their mouth
• Place non-food items in their mouth