services

Feeding/Swallowing Therapy and Feeding Groups

What is Feeding/ Swallowing Therapy?

Feeding and swallowing therapy specifically targets the skills needed to independently, safely and efficiently consume a meal. This may include facilitating the ability to feed oneself, safely drink liquids, bite/chew solids and initiate/complete a safe swallow. We work with children of all ages who are picky eaters, have food aversions, have a limited food repertoire (number of foods they will consistently eat), and have trouble manipulating foods in their mouths. We also work with children who may have difficulty with choking/coughing or vomiting before, during and following meals.

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Why might my child need a feeding/swallowing evaluation and/or treatment?

If you have concerns about or notice a significant difference between your child and same age peers in the following categories, a feeding/swallowing evaluation or treatment may be beneficial.

  • Coughing or choking with breast and/or bottle feeding

  • Trouble with swallowing or chewing

  • Gagging or choking with food

  • Mealtimes or eating routines that are stressful for you and your child

  • Poor growth

  • Feeding refusal

  • Limited diet (picky eating/poor food repertoire) 

  • Congestion, wheezing or trouble breathing when eating

  • Difficulty advancing to solid foods or trying new foods

  • Fear or anxiousness during mealtimes

  • Sensitivity to food type or texture

We have a dedicated team of therapists with advanced training in feeding and swallowing.

An evaluation will consist of a one hour appointment followed by a written report with recommendations. Families will be asked to bring food the child does and does not prefer to the evaluation. Bring anything the child may use at home to help them feel more comfortable in the clinic setting. The child will be asked to sit in a high-chair or other age-appropriate chair. A Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist will observe the child eating preferred foods followed by non-preferred foods. Parent input is greatly valued during the evaluation and the family will receive a written report of all observations.

How do I know if my child will see a Speech-Language Pathologist or an Occupational Therapist for the feeding evaluation and/or treatment?

Occupational Therapist

Global Sensory Delays, difficulty with utensils, any history of sensory processing tendencies

Speech-Language Pathologist

Oral motor (difficulties with chewing, manipulating, and swallowing). May also include excess drooling, any history of recurrent respiratory infection, any history of aspiration, choking, and/or coughing during meals.

Based on the needs of the child, he/she may be recommended for individual or group feeding therapy. Children proceed through the developmental food hierarchy with assistance from a therapist. Individual or group therapy targets expansion of food repertoire and the skills needed to safely and efficiently consume a variety of textures.

Schedule a Feeding and/or Swallowing Appointment today!

Summer 2024 Feeding Groups

Join us for a 9 week series! June 10- August 9

Feeding groups are offered based on interest and group schedules and offerings may change!

Mondays, June 10th - August 5th

  • Food Scientists Jr - Ages 6-9 years

    Time 6:00-7:00

Thursdays, June 13th - August 8th

  • Breakfast Buddies - Ages 4-6 years

    Time 6:00-7:00

Call 614.545.8300 or email tara@flourishohio.com to reserve your spot!

We accept self-pay, DCBDD, Jon Peterson Scholarship, and Autism Scholarship funding sources for groups.

  • Led by Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) Trained Therapists (SLPs and/or OTs)

  • Uses the concepts of Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) Approach; a world-wide and evidenced-based program

  • Targets improvement or oral motor and sensory skills

  • 2.5-6 Ages: will “play with a purpose” to target improvement of oral motor and sensory skills. Designed for both picky eaters and problem feeders, this group will also give parents the skills to decrease stress around mealtimes and help their children to be successful in eating situations

  • 6-12 Ages: Focuses on building food repertoire by helping kids become “food scientists”

  • Parents gain knowledge and skills to decrease stress around mealtimes and help their children to be successful in eating situations

  • Pre-Requisite: Current Formal Feeding and/or Swallowing evaluation completed by a Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist. This may be from another facility