Feeding Therapy

Feeding therapy is a skilled service for children who may experience differences with eating, drinking, mealtime participation, oral motor skills, food exploration, self-feeding, and overall comfort during meals. We recognize that every child has unique preferences, needs, and experiences surrounding food, and individualized, goal-directed plans of care are created to best support each child and family. Feeding therapy can support children in building confidence, increasing comfort with eating and drinking, and fostering positive mealtime experiences that align with each child’s developmental needs and family goals. The team at Pediatric POST in Crystal Lake, Illinois, specializes in feeding therapy for children of all ages. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to incorporate feeding therapy into your child’s care plan.

What is feeding therapy?

Feeding therapy is a branch of pediatric care that supports children who experience differences with eating, drinking, mealtime routines, oral motor skills, or food exploration. Integrating feeding therapy into your child’s care plan can help increase comfort with meals, build confidence around eating and drinking, and support participation in daily routines.

Specializing in pediatric care, the therapists at Pediatric POST understand the complexities of feeding development and the many factors that can influence a child’s relationship with food. The providers tailor each treatment plan to accommodate each child’s unique developmental profile, communication style, sensory preferences, and family goals.

Why might my child need feeding therapy?

Feeding therapy can support children with a variety of feeding and swallowing differences, medical histories, and developmental profiles. After a comprehensive evaluation, the team at Pediatric POST may recommend feeding therapy for children, adolescents, and teens with:

• Oral motor differences impacting chewing, drinking, or swallowing
• Delays in self-feeding or utensil use
• Mealtime stress, anxiety, or reduced participation in family meals
• Medical or developmental diagnoses that may impact feeding, including prematurity, gastrointestinal concerns, autism, or other developmental differences

Completing a feeding therapy program can help children build greater confidence, comfort, and independence during meals while supporting participation in home, school, and community settings.

What can my child expect from a feeding therapy evaluation?

During a feeding therapy evaluation, the team assesses your child’s feeding skills, mealtime routines, and overall needs. They review your child’s medical and developmental history before completing a comprehensive assessment. The team may observe your child eating or drinking, evaluate oral motor skills, and discuss current mealtime experiences, routines, and family concerns. This evaluation helps identify each child’s strengths while guiding individualized treatment recommendations.

What does feeding therapy involve?

Once your child’s assessment is complete, the team creates an individualized feeding therapy plan designed to support their unique goals and needs. Every plan is different but may include the following:

• Oral motor skill development
• Food exploration and interaction
• Self-feeding and utensil skills
• Mealtime routine strategies
• Caregiver education and coaching
• Environmental modifications to support successful meals

As a play-based practice, the team strives to make each visit supportive, engaging, and as comfortable as possible. Therapists may incorporate games, child-led activities, and gradual skill-building opportunities to promote positive mealtime experiences.

Call Pediatric POST today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about feeding therapy.