Feeding is one of our activities of daily living (ADL) which is important for basic survival but is also a meaningful part of our everyday lives. Feeding includes a child’s ability to physically manage foods in their mouths (chewing, swallowing, eating), as well as their ability to participate in meal-times (use utensils, try new things, eat with others, etc.). Picky eating can be a common phase for toddlers, however, it is best to seek support to prevent life-long challenges for your child, and to help create happier family meal-times at home.
Is your child a very picky eater? Are they gagging, vomiting or spitting out foods? Do they only eat with distractions? Are they able to feed themselves like their peers? Are mealtimes stressful?
What can we do?
Our Occupational Therapists will assess whether your child’s participation in feeding activities is age appropriate, and assess whether there are potential physical, sensory, cognitive, or other factors contributing to feeding challenges. When we meet with you and your child for the OT assessment, we will ask you to bring one food your child loves and one food your child refuses or struggles with so we can use this during our assessment together. Based on our assessment of your child’s needs, we may offer a treatment plan for weekly feeding therapy in the clinic with your child or provide recommendations and next steps for your family at home and work in a consultative model.
Why Butterfly?
Our Occupational Therapists use a holistic approach to feeding. We understand the importance of feeding within the context of a child’s environments; being part of family meal-time at home and eating with friends at school. With additional professional development courses and experiences, our Occupational Therapists provide direct feeding therapy, resources, and support to help you understand your child’s needs, and work together to achieve positive outcomes.
To book an assessment or for more information on Feeding please email info@butterflytherapy.com or call us at 905-206-0300.