Feeding Therapy: Who Qualifies?

Therapeutic feeding programs may be needed for infants and toddlers who have oral motor delays or who have nutritional challenges caused by premature birth, low-birth weight, difficulties with the suck/swallow reflex, aspiration, gastroesophageal reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disorders, tube feeding (with a need to transition to oral feeds), esophagitus, dysphagia and moderate to severe poor/picky eating habits.  Others require these programs to address sensory feeding issues.

ACCESS offers a comprehensive oral motor feeding assessment to determine eligibility for oral motor delays, sensory feeding disorders or a mixture of both. Each therapeutic plan is individualized to address the specific needs of the child. Our two NOMAS (Neo-Natal Oral-Motor Assessment Scale®)-certified speech-language pathologists are Barrett Feltus, and Cheri Stevenson, ACCESS director of therapy.

Feeding Therapy Approaches Followed by ACCESS:  

Oral-motor stimulation using interventions created by Debra Beckman, M.S.-CCC, SLP, and neurodevelopmental therapy. These techniques strengthen the muscles needed for biting, chewing and swallowing.

Assessment and intervention for sensory-based feeding disorders created by Marjorie Meyer Palmer, M.A., LSP. Children with sensory issues and those who are tube-fed and ready to wean to oral feedings benefit from this approach.

Food chaining therapy, created by Cheri Fraker, CCC/SLP, CLC, and Laura Walbert, CCC/SLP, CLC, designed to expand food groups and food choices. Children with autism, apraxia, picky eating habits and other sensory-based feeding disorders benefit from this approach.

To set up an appointment for a feeding assessment or begin feeding therapy, contact Beth Rice, admissions coordinator, at 501-217-8600.