Feeding Therapy
Sensory integration is a concept that describes the process of receiving and organizing sensory information from our bodies and the environment. Difficulties related to how a child processes sensory input (smell, taste, temperature, texture, and appearance) can have a serious impact on eating patterns and behaviors.
Our feeding therapy program serves children who display any or all of the following sensory-based behaviors:
- Avoids certain foods based on textures or colors
- Eats less than 15 foods
- Refuses entire food groups
- Has behavioral challenges or meltdowns at meals
We offer parents support for mealtime routines at home to encourage a positive experience with food. Our facility is equipped with a kitchen and dining area dedicated to feeding therapy.
What to expect during a mealtime treatment session
Did you know that there are many steps involved in eating? The mealtime experience is dynamic and complex and involves many skills including self-regulation.
During a mealtime treatment session, the use of sensory-rich activities prior to and during eating will be incorporated to promote mealtime success. Your child will be encouraged to smell, touch, and play with foods in efforts to develop a readiness to tolerate different types of foods. Any contact with food is a step in the right direction! Eating is aimed to be a pleasurable and fun experience, as foods will be progressively introduced into your child’s diet. Developing new eating skills is a process that will take time and practice in therapy and at home.
If your child is an extremely picky eater or a problem feeder, we can help. Contact us for more information.
Not sure if OT is the service your child needs?
We’re offering a free 30-minute screening appointment at our Irvine clinic. If you are interested, please contact us to schedule your screening appointment.
- Comprehensive evaluations, screening, and consultations
- Individual Occupational Therapy – direct service sessions at the clinic and/or at the child’s school
- Feeding Therapy
- Individual Education Plan (IEP) participation
- School observations
- Collaboration with parents and teachers
