For many families of children with developmental delays and disorders, mealtime can be a source of significant stress and frustration. Challenges with feeding and swallowing are common among children diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorder, brain injuries, cleft palate, and those born prematurely. These difficulties can impact a child’s ability to receive proper nutrition, maintain a healthy weight, and enjoy mealtime experiences with family.

As a multidisciplinary pediatric therapy clinic in Fort Myers, Florida, we at FOCUS Therapy understand the complexity of feeding challenges. Our team of speech therapists in particular specializes in feeding and swallowing therapy, including the Sequential Oral Sensory (S.O.S.) Approach to Feeding for children with sensory-based eating difficulties.

Here, we’ll explore some common feeding issues among children, their underlying causes, and how feeding & swallowing therapy can help children overcome barriers to healthy eating.

Understanding Feeding Challenges in Children with Developmental Differences

Feeding difficulties can stem from a variety of causes, including physiological, sensory, and physical factors. Each child’s challenges may be unique, requiring individualized assessment and intervention.

Sensory-Related Feeding Challenges

Children with sensory processing difficulties, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or sensory processing disorder (SPD), often experience extreme sensitivity to certain food textures, temperatures, colors, or smells. They may strongly prefer certain foods and avoid others, leading to an extremely restrictive diet that lacks necessary nutrients. Some children may gag or even vomit when presented with certain foods due to their sensory sensitivities.

The S.O.S. Approach to Feeding, which gradually desensitizes children to different food experiences in a playful and non-threatening way, is often beneficial for these children.

Physiological and Medical Feeding Challenges

Certain medical conditions impact a child’s ability to safely swallow or properly digest food. For example:

• Cleft palate can cause difficulties with sucking and swallowing.
• Premature birth often leads to immature oral motor development, increasing the risk of feeding difficulties.
• Brain injuries or neurological disorders may affect muscle control necessary for effective chewing and swallowing.
• Children with Down syndrome often have low muscle tone (hypotonia), which can impact tongue control and coordination, making feeding more difficult.

Children with these conditions may experience aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway instead of the esophagus), leading to respiratory issues. A speech-language pathologist trained in feeding therapy can assess a child’s swallow function and implement strategies to improve safety and efficiency during mealtime.

Physical and Motor-Related Feeding Challenges

Children with conditions like cerebral palsy may have difficulty coordinating the muscles required for chewing and swallowing. Poor postural control can make it hard to sit upright during meals, further complicating their ability to eat safely. Therapy can help strengthen oral muscles and improve posture to support more effective feeding.

Why Addressing Feeding Challenges Early Is Critical

Early intervention is crucial for children experiencing feeding difficulties. Poor nutrition and inadequate food intake can lead to:

• Growth delays
• Poor immune function
• Behavioral challenges due to hunger and nutrient deficiencies
• Family mealtime stress and social isolation

Research indicates that children with feeding difficulties are at higher risk for long-term picky eating behaviors, which can persist into adulthood if not properly addressed. Therefore, early and targeted therapy can make a profound difference in improving a child’s relationship with food.

How Therapy Can Help: Our Approach to Feeding Therapy

At our Fort Myers pediatric therapy clinic, we use a comprehensive approach to feeding therapy that includes both medical and behavioral strategies tailored to each child’s specific needs.

1. Feeding and Swallowing Therapy

Our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assess oral motor function and work on improving the coordination and strength required for safe swallowing. Strategies may include:

• Oral motor exercises to strengthen jaw, tongue, and lip muscles
• Modified food textures and liquid consistencies to improve swallowing safety
• Neuromuscular re-education to help with chewing and food manipulation
• Strategies for reducing gagging and oral aversion

2. The S.O.S. Approach to Feeding

For children with sensory-related feeding difficulties, we use the Sequential Oral Sensory (S.O.S.) Approach to Feeding. This evidence-based approach focuses on gradually introducing new foods in a structured, play-based manner. Steps include:

• Encouraging children to interact with new foods through touching, smelling, and eventually tasting
• Reducing anxiety around mealtime through a supportive, low-pressure environment
• Expanding food acceptance by incorporating familiar and preferred foods into therapy

Studies show that gradual exposure and positive reinforcement can significantly improve food acceptance in children with sensory-related feeding issues (Toomey & Ross, 2011).

3. Parental Coaching and Home Strategies

Parental involvement is critical in feeding therapy. Our therapists work closely with families to provide:

• Education on proper feeding techniques and mealtime strategies
• Guidance on structuring positive and stress-free meals
• Exercises and activities parents can implement at home to support therapy goals

Practical Mealtime Strategies for Parents

Parents can use the following strategies at home to help improve their child’s feeding experience:

• Create a consistent mealtime routine. Consistency helps children feel secure and prepared for meals.
• Use visual supports. Picture schedules and food charts can help children understand what to expect during meals.
• Introduce new foods gradually. Avoid pressuring your child to eat unfamiliar foods; instead, encourage exploration at their own pace.
• Model healthy eating habits. Eating together as a family and demonstrating enjoyment of different foods can encourage children to try new things.
• Offer appropriate seating support. Ensure your child is seated in a stable, upright position with feet supported to promote safe swallowing.

A Path Toward Happier, Healthier Mealtimes

Feeding challenges among children with developmental delays, disorders and other conditions are complex – but highly treatable with the right interventions. Whether the difficulty stems from sensory sensitivities, medical conditions, or motor impairments, our team of skilled therapists in Fort Myers is here to provide expert guidance and therapy solutions tailored to each child’s unique needs.

If your child struggles with feeding, don’t wait—early intervention can prevent long-term issues and set the stage for lifelong healthy eating habits. Contact FOCUS Therapy today to learn more about our feeding therapy services and how we can support your child’s journey to a happier, more nourishing mealtime experience.

FOCUS offers pediatric feeding & swallowing therapy in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.

Additional Resources:

SOS Approach to Feeding, 2017, Toomey & Associates

More Blog Entries:

ASHA Feeding & Swallowing Milestones Birth to Age 3

A New Diagnosis: Pediatric Feeding Disorder & How Fort Myers Feeding Therapy Can Help