Arlington, VA and Washington, DC

Feeding Therapy

For most children, eating is a fun and routine part of each day. However, recent studies show that one out of four children typically require some type of feeding therapy during the development years. Feeding issues can prevent children from eating enough to grow and develop.  

Skills on the Hill Pediatric Therapy in Washington, DC and Arlington, VA is proud to offer a comprehensive feeding program designed to meet the specific needs of the child. Our therapists will work closely with the family and caregivers to ensure the child receives the best care.

Feeding-therapy-Skills-on-the-hill-arlington-va-washington-dc

Feeding therapy is appropriate for children who:

  • Are at risk for malnutrition or undernutrition
  • Require nutritional supplements
  • Have supplemental tube feedings
  • Can eat by mouth but have weaning difficulties because of tube feedings
  • Have swallowing difficulties or oral motor problems
  • Have food aversions or display inappropriate behaviors that interfere with eating
  • Have difficulty transitioning to age-appropriate food textures
  • Are challenged by eating/feeding utensils
  • Exhibit very restrictive eating patterns and have a very narrow food repertoire that prevents him/her from being able to eat at parties, friends houses, or restaurants

When a child participates in feeding therapy at Skills on the Hill, the therapist may be an occupational therapist or a speech-language pathologist or both depending on the child’s profile and specific areas of need.  Feeding therapy is always child led and we incorporate play into treatment sessions as much as possible so that the child is comfortable and feels a sense of control.  

The relationship between the child and therapist is extremely important in laying a foundation for trust and comfort as foods are explored.  Parents play an important role on the therapy team and are often involved in sessions or planning food trials as they are the ones who support progress by carrying over strategies to the home and community environments.  

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