Feeding therapy helps children who have difficulty eating, drinking, or tolerating a variety of foods. At Talktime Speech Therapy, we provide individualized, evidence-based feeding therapy to support safe swallowing, improve oral skills, and create positive mealtime experiences for children and families.
What Is Feeding Therapy?
Feeding therapy focuses on helping children develop the skills needed for safe, efficient, and enjoyable eating. Therapy may address oral-motor skills, sensory responses to food, and mealtime behaviors. Each therapy plan is customized to meet a child’s unique needs, developmental level, and family goals.
What Does Feeding Therapy Address?
Feeding therapy may help children with: Picky or Selective Eating
Limited food variety
Refusal of certain textures, temperatures, or flavors
Strong preferences for specific foods
Oral-Motor Difficulties
Difficulty chewing or moving food in the mouth
Weak lip, tongue, or jaw coordination
Challenges managing different food textures
Sensory-Based Feeding Challenges
Gagging or refusal related to textures or smells
Sensitivity to new foods
Difficulty tolerating messy play or feeding routines
Mealtime Behaviors
Stress or anxiety during meals
Prolonged mealtimes
Difficulty sitting and engaging at the table
Swallowing Concerns
Coughing or choking during meals
Difficulty transitioning to age-appropriate foods
Concerns related to safety while eating
How Do I Know If My Child Needs Feeding Therapy?
Your child may benefit from feeding therapy if they:
Eat a very limited variety of foods
Avoid certain textures or food groups
Gag, choke, or cough while eating
Take a long time to finish meals
Become upset or anxious at mealtimes
Have difficulty chewing or swallowing
Have not progressed to age-appropriate foods
Have poor weight gain or growth concerns related to feeding
If you’re unsure, a feeding evaluation can help identify challenges and guide next steps.
Medical & Developmental Reasons for Feeding Therapy
Feeding difficulties may be associated with:
Developmental delays
Sensory processing differences
Autism spectrum disorder
Premature birth or low birth weight
Gastrointestinal or reflux concerns
Neurological or genetic conditions
Structural differences affecting feeding
History of tube feeding or medical complexity
A medical diagnosis is not always required to begin feeding therapy. Therapy focuses on functional feeding skills and family-centered goals.
What Happens During a Feeding Evaluation?
A feeding evaluation may include:
Review of medical and feeding history
Observation of eating and drinking skills
Assessment of oral-motor function
Evaluation of sensory responses to food
Discussion of concerns and recommendations
After the evaluation, results are reviewed with caregivers and a therapy plan is discussed if services are recommended.
What Happens During Feeding Therapy Sessions?
Feeding therapy sessions are supportive, structured, and child-led. Therapy may include:
Gradual exposure to new foods
Oral-motor skill development
Sensory exploration through play
Mealtime strategies and routines
Parent education and coaching
Therapy focuses on building comfort, safety, and confidence around food.
How Long and How Often Are Sessions?
Sessions typically last 30–60 minutes
Frequency is individualized based on needs and goals
Many children attend 1–2 sessions per week
Progress is monitored and goals are adjusted regularly
Family Involvement & Mealtime Support
Family involvement is essential for feeding success. Parents and caregivers receive:
Education about feeding strategies
Guidance for creating positive mealtime routines
Support for carryover at home
Collaboration With Medical Providers
With parent consent, our therapists may collaborate with:
Pediatricians
Gastroenterologists
Dietitians
Other therapists or specialists
This team-based approach supports safe and effective feeding outcomes.
Insurance & Payment
We accept most major insurance plans. Coverage varies by provider and plan.
Insurance claims are submitted on your behalf when applicable
Private pay options are available
Our staff is happy to help guide families through the process
Is picky eating normal?
Some picky eating is typical, but extreme selectivity or stress around meals may benefit from support.
Will my child be forced to eat foods they dislike?
No. Feeding therapy is supportive and child-centered, focusing on gradual progress and positive experiences.
What ages do you work with?
We work with infants, toddlers, and children with feeding concerns.
Ready to Get Started?
If mealtimes are stressful or you have concerns about your child’s feeding skills, we’re here to help. 👉 Contact us today to request a feeding evaluation or learn more about our services.
