Feeding Therapy

At Stepping Stones Therapy, feeding therapy may be provided by a licensed occupational therapist (OT) or a speech-language pathologist (SLP), depending on your child’s specific needs. Both professionals work together to support safe, confident, and positive mealtimes, but they focus on different parts of the feeding process.

Occupational therapists focus on the sensory, motor, and behavioral components of feeding. OT feeding therapy may address:

Sensory sensitivities to textures, smells, or temperatures
Difficulty sitting at the table or maintaining posture
Challenges with self-feeding skills such as using utensils or drinking from cups
Overall mealtime routines and participation.

Speech-language pathologists focus on the oral motor and swallowing components of feeding. SLP feeding therapy may address:

Lip, tongue, and jaw strength and coordination
Chewing skills; safe swallowing
Progression of food textures
Difficulties such as gagging, pocketing food, or choking concerns.

Feeding is a complex skill that involves many systems working together. Some children benefit from OT feeding therapy, some from SLP feeding therapy, and others from a collaborative approach using both disciplines.

If your child is a picky eater, has a limited food variety, struggles with textures, gags or coughs during meals, takes a long time to eat, avoids mealtimes, or experiences stress around eating, feeding therapy can help.

Feeding therapy sessions are play-based, supportive, and individualized. Children are encouraged to explore food in a safe, pressure-free way while building the skills they need for successful mealtimes.

At Stepping Stones Therapy, we believe feeding should be a positive experience for both children and families. By supporting feeding skills from a sensory, motor, and oral perspective, we help children gain independence, confidence, and enjoyment during meals.

Wondering if feeding therapy is right for your child? Contact our team to learn more and take the next step.

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