I am fascinated with this topic, and I'm always getting trained in the most effective, evidence-based practices to help our little ones with these issues.  Remember, that  YOU are an important part of your child's treatment and I can't wait to team up with you to finally have "happy meals" 

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Trouble eating can lead to health, learning, and social problems. 

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Think about how you eat. It has many little steps from the moment you see the food, get it to your mouth using different utensils, prepare the food in your mouth to the moment when you are ready to swallow.

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Children must learn this process. This process starts from the womb and it changes with every day that we are alive.  A child with a feeding disorder will keep having trouble with basic actions such as using a cup, chewing the food, or accepting new foods among others. 

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Signs of Feeding and Swallowing Disorders

 

Your child may have a feeding or swallowing problem if she:

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• Arches her back or stiffens when feeding

• Cries or fusses when feeding

• Falls asleep when feeding

• Has problems breastfeeding

• Has trouble breathing while eating and drinking

• Refuses to eat or drink

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

• Takes a long time to eat

• Has problems chewing

• 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.

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There are many possible causes for feeding and swallowing problems, including:

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• nervous system disorders, like cerebral palsy or meningitis

• reflux or other stomach problems

• being premature or having a low birth weight

• heart disease

• cleft lip or palate

• breathing problems, like asthma or other diseases

• autism

• muscle weakness in the face and neck

• sensory issues

• behavior problems

 

Feeding assessment will include:

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• Ask questions about your child's medical history, development, and the problems she has

• See how your child moves his mouth and tongue

• Watch your child eat to see how she picks up food, chews, swallows, and drinks

• Watch how your child behaves during meals

 

Feeding Therapy in some / most of the cases require a holistic view from a feeding team

 

If your child needs Feeding Therapy;  the treatment may include working on:

• making the muscles of his mouth stronger

• helping her move her tongue more

• helping him chew foods

• getting her to try new foods and drinks

• improving how well he can suck from a bottle or drink from a cup

• helping her learn how to breathe while sucking and swallowing. (babies)

• changing food textures and liquid thickness to help him swallow safely.

• helping with sensory issues.

• changing the way, you hold your baby or the way your child sits when eating

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