What is Feeding Therapy and How Can It Help My Child?

Mealtimes are meant to be enjoyable family moments, but for some children, eating can be stressful or overwhelming. If your child is struggling with eating, chewing, swallowing, or trying new foods, they may benefit from feeding therapy.

What is Feeding Therapy?

Feeding therapy is a specialized type of therapy provided by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who are trained to address challenges related to eating and swallowing. The goal is to help children develop the skills they need for safe, enjoyable, and stress-free mealtimes.

Why Might a Child Need Feeding Therapy?

Some children face difficulties with feeding due to:

• Trouble chewing or swallowing safely

• Sensory sensitivities to certain textures, smells, or tastes

• Limited food variety (picky eating that goes beyond typical behavior)

• Oral motor delays affecting how the mouth, tongue, and jaw work together

• Medical or developmental conditions that impact feeding

What Happens in Feeding Therapy?

Therapy sessions are tailored to your child’s unique needs. They may include:

• Oral motor exercises to strengthen the muscles needed for chewing and swallowing

• Sensory-based strategies to gently explore and accept new food textures and flavors

• Skill-building activities for self-feeding and drinking

• Parent coaching to support positive mealtime routines at home

Benefits of Feeding Therapy

With the right support, children can:✔ Improve safety and comfort while eating✔ Expand the variety of foods they will try✔ Build independence during meals✔ Develop positive, stress-free mealtime experiences

When to Seek Help

If mealtimes are a daily struggle or you’re concerned about your child’s growth, nutrition, or feeding skills, it’s a good idea to reach out for an evaluation. Early support can make a big difference.

👉 At PFG Therapy, our speech-language pathologists provide compassionate, individualized feeding therapy to help children and families enjoy mealtimes again.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation!