Having a child with feeding issues can be stressful for both parent and child. From picky eaters, to a child that gags or vomits when food enters the same room, we can help. At A to Z, our expert feeding and swallowing therapists can address both oral motor and sensory feeding challenges, and provide a treatment plan that fits your family.
ORAL MOTOR
Some children refuse, gag, vomit, or spit out food because they don’t have the oral motor skills to properly manage eating. Although this is second nature and automatic for most adults, the mechanics of chewing and swallowing can be complicated for some children. If a child is behind on oral motor skills, then eating can be dangerous since food may become a choking hazard. If this evolves into a fear of eating, many children will refuse food out of self-defense. Our therapists can teach you and your child to develop the skills necessary to make meal time much calmer, and improve nutrition.
SENSORY
Over- or under-sensitivities to food during eating can be a sign of a sensory feeding disorders. Mouth stuffing or drooling can be symptomatic of an under-sensitivity in the mouth. Children will sometimes put too much in their mouth in an attempt to better feel the presence of food. Other times, drooling could occur if they are not able to feel saliva pooling that would normally trigger swallowing. Conversely, over-sensitivities to food cause a child to have intense reactions to attempts to eat, and may result in gagging, spitting, vomiting, and behavioral outbursts. Regardless of type, we can help!