Does my child need a feeding therapist?

Feeding therapists aim to create a positive, stress-free environment that helps children feel both physically and emotionally ready to eat. Feeding therapy may be helpful if your child struggles with one or more of the following challenges:

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing safely
• Picky eating or food refusal
• Gagging or choking on food
• Oral-motor delays (e.g., weak jaw, tongue, or lip muscles)
• Sensory sensitivities to textures, tastes, temperatures, or smells
• Postural instability affecting self-feeding
• Delayed self-feeding skills (e.g., using utensils, drinking from a cup)
• Behavioral struggles or anxiety around mealtimes
• Feeding aversions related to medical issues (e.g., reflux, enlarged tonsils, low tone)

For more information, see our full article Feeding Therapy 101.