Both occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists address concerns with feeding. At Sensational Kids, Inc. both disciplines play an active role in assessing and addressing feeding skills.
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs):
Our SLPs play an important role in the skills of difficulty chewing and swallowing foods or liquids. We work closely with gastroenterologists, nutritionists, pulmonologists, pediatricians, and ENTs to address concerns such as: tethered oral tissues (e.g. lip tie, tongue tie), gastrostomy status (i.e. feeding tubes), bottle feeding, cup and/or straw drinking, eating from a spoon or fork, chewing skills, swallowing skills, fatiguing during mealtimes, difficulties establishing a routine for meals, difficulties gaining weight, and increasing the variety and volume of foods and drinks accepted. Our SLPs are trained in Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS), AEIOU, Beckman Oral Motor, and other remediation programs to help ensure the patient has the sensory-motor skills to support safe, effective, and nutritive feeding.
Occupational Therapy (OTs)
Our OTs play an important role in the skills required for feeding and expanding the range of foods within a child’s diet. OTs assess the whole body including a child’s posture, stability, and position when eating, the child’s ability to use their fingers and utensils for bringing food to their mouth, using a bottle, cup or straw, and the oral motor skills required for chewing, eating, and drinking. In addition, our OTs address sensory responses to foods that hinder the child’s ability to consume foods of different textures, colors, or tastes to expand the quantity and quality of the child’s diet. Our OTs have specialized training in sensory, feeding, and oral motor skills, including training in Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS), AEIOU, Talk Tools, and other remediation programs to help ensure the patient has the sensory-motor skills required for feeding. When swallowing is a concern, our OTs will collaborate with our SLPs and the child’s medical team.