Feeding and Swallowing Therapy

At Pioneer Therapy, part of The Valens Group, we understand that every child is unique, and so are their needs. Our specialized Feeding and Swallowing Therapy is designed to help children overcome challenges related to eating, drinking, and swallowing, ensuring they thrive both nutritionally and socially.

What Is Feeding and Swallowing Therapy?

Feeding and swallowing therapy focuses on helping children who experience difficulties with:

• - Chewing or swallowing food safely.

• - Managing food textures or picky eating.

• - Gagging, choking, or coughing while eating.

• - Sensory aversions to food.

• - Transitioning from feeding tubes to oral feeding.

• - Behavioral mealtime challenges.

• Our expert Feeding team includes Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who work collaboratively to determine the most appropriate care for your child, based on their specific needs.

Why Is Feeding and Swallowing Therapy Important?

Proper feeding and swallowing are critical for:

• Nutritional growth: Ensuring your child gets the nutrients they need for development.

• Health and safety: Reducing the risk of aspiration, choking, or other medical complications.

• Confidence and independence: Empowering your child to enjoy mealtimes with friends and family.

• Social connection: Building positive associations with food and fostering social bonds during shared meals.

Our therapy not only addresses the physical mechanics of feeding but also the emotional and sensory experiences that can impact a child’s willingness and ability to eat.

Why Choose Pioneer Therapy?

At Pioneer Therapy, we’re dedicated to helping your child thrive through compassionate, evidence-based care. Here’s why families trust us:

• Highly Qualified Team: Our therapists are licensed and experienced in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. Whether an OT or SLP is most appropriate for your child, you can rest assured they are in expert hands.

• Comprehensive Evaluations: We perform thorough assessments to uncover the root of feeding challenges and create personalized treatment plans tailored to your child’s needs.

• Family-Centered Approach: We believe in empowering parents and caregivers with the tools, techniques, and education needed to support progress at home.

• State-of-the-Art Methods: Our therapists use cutting-edge techniques, including sensory integration, behavioral strategies, and oral-motor exercises, to promote safe and enjoyable eating experiences.

• Holistic Care: By considering both the physical and emotional aspects of feeding, we ensure your child’s growth and well-being are addressed comprehensively.

What to Expect from Therapy

• Initial Evaluation: A detailed consultation to assess your child’s feeding history, behaviors, and physical capabilities.

• Individualized Treatment Plans: Sessions tailored to your child’s unique needs, using a combination of sensory, motor, and behavioral approaches.

• Parent Involvement: Guidance and training for parents to reinforce progress outside of therapy sessions.

• Collaborative Care: Coordination with medical providers, nutritionists, and other professionals as needed to support your child’s success.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Help your child develop the skills they need to thrive at mealtime and beyond. At Pioneer Therapy, we’re here to provide the expertise and support your family needs.

Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward a happier, healthier mealtime experience.

Why Is My Child Gagging on Food?

Gagging on food can happen for several reasons, including physical, sensory, or behavioral factors. Common causes include:

• Oral-Motor Challenges: Difficulty coordinating the muscles needed for chewing and swallowing can cause gagging.

• Sensory Sensitivities: Certain textures, smells, or tastes may overwhelm your child, leading to a gag reflex.

• Medical Conditions: Conditions like acid reflux, tongue-tie, or oral aversion can also play a role.

• Behavioral Factors: Negative past experiences with eating (e.g., choking or discomfort) might make a child more sensitive or hesitant.

If your child frequently gags while eating, it's important to address it early to prevent nutritional deficits and negative associations with mealtime. Feeding therapy, provided by occupational therapists or speech-language pathologists, can identify the root cause and offer strategies to help your child overcome gagging and eat safely and comfortably.

Help for Picky Eating in Kids Near Me

Picky eating can be more than just a phase for some children. When extreme food preferences or refusal to eat certain textures or types of food interfere with your child’s nutrition and growth, feeding therapy can help. At Pioneer Therapy, we offer personalized approaches to tackle picky eating, including:

• Sensory Exploration: Helping your child feel comfortable with new food textures, smells, and tastes.

• Behavioral Strategies: Teaching positive mealtime habits and reducing stress during eating.

• Parent Coaching: Equipping you with tools to support progress at home.

Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and find the best feeding therapy solutions near you. Together, we can transform mealtime into a positive experience for your family.

Occupational Therapy vs. Speech Therapy for Feeding

Both occupational therapists (OTs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play crucial roles in feeding therapy, but their approaches differ based on your child’s specific challenges:

• Occupational Therapists (OTs):

  • Focus on sensory processing and motor skills involved in eating.

  • Address challenges like holding utensils, managing food textures, or sensory aversions.

  • Ideal for children who struggle with sensory sensitivities or physical/mechanical eating issues.

• Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs):

  • Specialize in the mechanics of chewing, swallowing, and oral-motor coordination.

  • Work on issues like tongue movement, safe swallowing, and managing the risk of choking.

  • Ideal for children with medical or structural issues affecting swallowing.

At Pioneer Therapy, we carefully evaluate your child to determine whether an OT, SLP, or a collaborative approach is the best fit for their needs. Our goal is to ensure your child gets the targeted support they need to thrive at mealtime.