Sensory Feeding Therapy



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FAQ

  • Will my child begin eating food right away?

Likely, no. Sensory feeding intervention is intricately designed for each child, as well as their family and home environment. It is truly a trial-and-error process. Multiple levels of interviewing and logging intakes will be needed to visualize progress.

  • Do we force feed?

Absolutely not. Sensory feeding intervention is designed to make food a more positive experience for the child. Force feeding at home while using strategies in the therapeutic setting may also inhibit progress in the natural setting.

  • What if my child has history of choking?

While sensory feeding intervention is not a true dysphagia intervention, commonly associated diagnoses also present risks of dysphagia or even alternative feeding needs. If your child experiences these kinds of complexities, it is necessary to inform the treating therapist as history of choking can have implications on negative attitudes about foods.

Sensory feeding disorders can be identified by your pediatrician, who may voice concerns about limited nutrition for your child. A “picky eater” does not always have a sensory feeding disorder; however, a child like this may still be having an extremely hard time at the dinner table. If severe enough, some intervention may be necessary.

The Program

This is a 10-week program designed to help families build a culture around food that supports their child with difficulty eating. The program consists of trials of different types of food categories, tastes, textures, smells, and temperatures. It is intended to determine which of the senses (hence – sensory) respond most to foods and how that can be used to yield more positive outcomes at the table.

AM I a candidate

You may be a candidate for this therapy if your child is between the ages of 9 months and 9 years old and shows multiple signs of difficulty with foods. Diagnoses such as autism, cerebral palsy, and certain syndromes are typically paired with sensory feeding disorders. However, no alternative diagnosis is required to receive treatment.

Coverage

This treatment may be covered by out-of-pocket payments or through supported insurances.