Speech and Feeding Therapy
Speech Pathologists are trained to provide Feeding Therapy. The oral motor patterns used by an infant or young child during sucking, swallowing, biting, or chewing will relate later to the child’s development of speech. The activity of the lips, tongue, cheeks, and jaw used in eating help the child develop articulators which are used in talking. The Speech Pathologist can help the child progress through the developmental phases of feeding from breast or bottle feeding to spoon or finger feeding.
Feeding Therapy Approach
The therapist evaluates the child’s feeding behaviors including the method used for feeding, the amount of time needed for feeding, the amount of food taken, and the oral motor patterns used by the child. The therapist tries to identify any behaviors that may interfere with the developmental process. Therapy may include oral motor exercises, or changes in feeding techniques.
Candidates for Referral
Feeding Therapy can benefit premature infants, children with Down Syndrome, or any child that is slow in developing eating skills. The following symptoms can indicate a need for referral for feeding therapy:
- Failure to Thrive
- Weak Suck
- Problems with Aspiration
- Slow Feeders
- Refluxing
- Excessive Gagging
- Difficulty with Spoon Feeding
- Difficulty with Cup Drinking