What I Do
Over the years, I have worked with hundreds of children, with a wide range of feeding and swallowing difficulties. The conditions I treat include:
Sensory feeding disorders
Oral motor delays
Gagging and choking during feeding
Food aversions and refusal
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Gastroesophageal reflux related feeding issues
Prematurity-related feeding challenges including bottle aversions
Feeding difficulties associated with developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy
Behavioural feeding problems and fussy eating
Failure to thrive related to feeding difficulties
My process begins with a thorough assessment, which typically involves:
Taking a detailed history of the child's feeding patterns, medical background, and developmental milestones
Observing the child’s feeding during mealtime to identify specific difficulties
Evaluating oral motor function and sensory responses
Collaborating with medical professionals when necessary
Following the assessment, I develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to the child's specific needs. This plan often includes:
Therapeutic feeding strategies to improve oral motor skills and sensory tolerance
Parent and caregiver education and support to implement techniques at home
Gradual introduction and acceptance of new foods when safe and appropriate
Regular follow-up sessions to monitor progress, adjust interventions, and address any emerging challenges
The aim throughout therapy is to promote safe, effective, and enjoyable feeding experiences, supporting both the child's nutritional needs and overall development.
If you are not sure whether I can help, enter your details in the “get in touch” section and we can work from there.