Feeding Therapy

 Feeding therapy helps children who struggle with eating, whether that means difficulty chewing and swallowing, limited food choices, sensory sensitivities, or mealtime stress. Feeding challenges can affect a child’s nutrition, growth, and family routines, but with the right support, mealtimes can become easier and more enjoyable for everyone. At Journey Pediatric Therapy, our team takes a compassionate, play-based approach to help children develop the skills and confidence they need to eat safely and successfully.

Occupational Therapists (OTs) focus on the sensory and motor skills needed for successful feeding. They look at how your child’s body and sensory system respond to different foods, textures, and mealtime environments. 

An OT can help with:

• Sensory sensitivities to food textures, tastes, or smells
• Difficulty sitting at the table or staying regulated during meals
• Posture, positioning, and core strength for safe eating
• Fine motor skills for self-feeding (using utensils, picking up small foods, etc.)
• Building comfort and tolerance for new foods through gradual exposure and play

OTs help children feel calm and confident during meals, making eating a positive experience rather than a stressful one. 

 Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) focus on the oral motor and swallowing skills needed for safe and efficient eating. They evaluate how the lips, tongue, jaw, and cheeks move and work together to manage food and liquids.

An SLP can help with:

• Oral motor weakness or poor coordination affecting chewing and swallowing
• Gagging, choking, or pocketing food in the mouth
• Transitioning from purees to solid foods
• Managing drooling or open-mouth posture
• Helping children who have difficulty drinking from a straw or cup
• Supporting feeding difficulties related to medical or developmental conditions

SLPs help children strengthen their oral muscles, improve their swallowing skills, and develop safe, effective eating patterns.
 

 Our feeding team often combines the expertise of both OTs and SLPs to create a comprehensive plan tailored to your child’s unique needs. Whether your child is a cautious eater, struggles with textures, or needs help learning to chew and swallow safely, we’re here to support your family every step of the way—so mealtimes can once again be full of confidence, connection, and joy.