Feeding Therapy at Prickly Pear Pediatric Therapy
At Prickly Pear Pediatric Therapy, our feeding therapy services are designed to address the wide range of feeding challenges children may encounter from birth through adolescence. Our team of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and occupational therapists (OTs) provides specialized, compassionate care to support children from infancy through age 18 in achieving safe and effective feeding skills. We prioritize creating a supportive and engaging environment tailored to each child’s specific needs, promoting healthy development and a positive mealtime experience.
Our Holistic Approach:
We understand that feeding difficulties can impact not only a child’s physical health but also their emotional well-being and family dynamics. Our feeding therapy program combines evidence-based techniques with individualized care to ensure that each child’s journey is uniquely supported. Our therapists work collaboratively with families to foster progress in feeding skills, while addressing any sensory, motor, or behavioral challenges related to eating. Our feeding therapy program encompasses a wide range of feeding issues, including:
Infant Feeding (Birth to 12 Months):
Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding Support: Our SLPs and OTs have specialized training in lactation consultation and provide early intervention for infants experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding or bottle feeding, including latching challenges, low milk transfer, or difficulty coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing.
Early Feeding Difficulties: We address issues such as reflux, gagging, or failure to thrive in infants, ensuring they develop safe and efficient feeding skills.
Transition to Solids (Ages 6 Months and Up):
Introduction to Solid Foods: Transitioning from milk or formula to solid foods can be a challenging time for many families. Our therapists work with children and their caregivers to ensure a smooth, safe, and positive introduction to various textures and flavors.
Toddler and Preschool Feeding (Ages 1–5):
Picky Eating: Many young children struggle with selective eating or food refusal, often leading to nutritional concerns or stressful mealtimes. Our therapists help children gradually expand their diet by introducing new foods in a fun and supportive way.
Oral-Motor and Sensory Integration: For children with difficulty chewing, swallowing, or tolerating different textures, we provide targeted interventions to address oral-motor delays and sensory sensitivities, making eating a more enjoyable and manageable experience.
School-Aged Children and Adolescents (Ages 6–18):
Advanced Feeding Skills: Children’s feeding needs may become more complex as they grow. We offer therapy for older children with ongoing feeding or swallowing difficulties, ensuring they can eat a balanced diet and maintain good nutrition.
Picky or Selective Eating Patterns: Years of selective eating can make expanding dietary repertoire difficult. There are many feelings and emotions associated with the child’s patterned way of eating. Getting to the root cause of the challenge is key in this age group.
Collaborative Care and Family Involvement:
We believe family involvement is critical to a child’s success in feeding therapy. Our therapists work closely with caregivers, providing education, strategies, and home-based activities to support progress outside of therapy sessions. Together, we create a nurturing and positive mealtime environment that promotes healthy eating habits for the long term.
If your child is experiencing feeding difficulties, our team at Prickly Pear Pediatric Therapy is here to help. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care, ensuring that every child’s feeding journey is supported with expertise and compassion.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your child’s feeding needs from infancy through adolescence!
Client Testimonials
"We were not sure who else to turn to for some of our daughters struggles but after filling out a thorough assessment and talking in length to Kristy, we felt comfortable and encouraged to start with OT. She was so easy to talk to and made herself available for questions or concerns any time. She helped us see and understand that sensory challenges could be the best place to focus attention and therapy on. We had no idea! Therapy with Kristy helped so much!"
"I can’t say enough wonderful things about Prickly Pear. My son has made progress since he began therapy with Kristy (OT) and Kalista (Speech). My son is autistic and nonverbal. He is four years old. The therapists are empathetic, fun, engaging, knowledgeable, understanding, patient, and professional. Their space is great and has a number of fun activities that my son enjoys. I am very grateful for these gals! They are superb! I highly recommend Prickly Pear!!"