The Feeding Therapist 

Feeding Difficulties with Children

Experiencig feeding difficulties is a worry for parents and can cause sress in the home. 

 

Signs of Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties

 

Your child may have a feeding or swallowing problem if he/she

• Arches her back or stiffens when feeding

• Cries or fusses when feeding

• Falls asleep when feeding

• Have problems breastfeeding

• Has trouble breathing while eating and drinking

• Refuses to eat or drink

• Eats certain textures, such as soft food or crunchy food

• Takes a long time to eat

• Has problems chewing

• Gag reflex at the sight of food or small taste of food.

• Coughs or gags during meals

• Drools a lot or has liquid come out her mouth or nose

• Gets stuffy during meals

• Has a gurgly, hoarse, or breathy voice during or after meals

• Spits up or throws up a lot

• Is not gaining weight or growing

 

Not every child has every sign listed here. Your child may show a few signs or many of them. Your child may be at risk for:

• dehydration or poor nutrition

• food or liquid going into the airway, called aspiration

• pneumonia or other lung infections

• feeling embarrassed about his eating problems. He may eat alone or refuse to eat around others.

 

 

This clinic is designed for the Picky Eater and does not cover mental health issues such as Anorexia and Bulimia. 

 

I am interested. What happens next?

 

A Feeding Screening

A feeding Screening can be arranged to screen and establish if a full assessment is required. 

The Screening takes approximately 45 minutes and the child eats its favourite food brought in by the parent. 

Full feedback on the areas of concern are discussed  and a full assessment may be required.

 

A full Assessment

A full assessment can be done.

 

Feeding Sessions in the clinic or online to assist with making the feeding functional

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