Feeding Disorders
Feeding disorders are problems with a range of eating activities that may or may not include problems with swallowing. The long-term consequences of feeding and swallowing disorders can include:
- Food aversion
- Oral aversion
- Aspiration pneumonia and/or compromised pulmonary status
- Undernutrition or malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Gastrointestinal complications such as motility disorders, constipation and diarrhea
- Poor weight gain velocity and/or undernutrition
- Rumination disorder (unintentional and reflexive regurgitation of undigested food that may involve re-chewing and re-swallowing of the food)
- Ongoing need for enteral (gastrointestinal) or parenteral (intravenous) nutrition
- Psychosocial effects on the child and family
- Feeding and swallowing problems that persist into adulthood, including the risk for choking, malnutrition or undernutrition
Treatment Options
- Individualized service plans created in close consultation with families to help children uncover and strengthen skills, allowing them to function to the best of their abilities
- Behavioral interventions and sensory integration techniques, as needed, while providing speech-language therapy
- Feeding services for clients who are picky eaters, have food aversion or sensitivity or exhibit oral motor impairment
- Specialized treatment for clients with sensory, oral aversion and oral motor disorders focused on improving food quality and quantity intake
Clinicians in This Area
