What are Feeding & Swallowing Difficulties?
Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties occur when a child has challenges eating, drinking, chewing, or swallowing safely and efficiently. These difficulties may affect nutrition, growth, health, and participation in family mealtimes. Feeding challenges can occur independently or alongside developmental, neurological, or sensory conditions.
Signs & Symptoms
- Difficulty chewing food
• Gagging or choking during meals
• Food refusal or selective eating
• Prolonged mealtimes
• Difficulty transitioning to new textures
• Frequent coughing during eating or drinking
Causes & Risk Factors
- Oral-motor difficulties
• Neurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Prematurity
• Sensory processing differences
• Structural differences affecting feeding and swallowing
Treatment & Intervention
- Feeding Therapy
• Oral-Motor Intervention
• Sensory-Based Feeding Approaches
• Swallowing Rehabilitation
• Food Texture Progression Programs
• Parent Training for Mealtime Strategies
💙 Early support can make a lifelong difference. Schedule an appointment with Speakachoo today.