Feeding and Swallowing
Your child needs an assessment and treatment program that is specific to them.
Not all Feeding Problems are the Same
Pediatric feeding disorders are complex. Medical journals describe the medical, nutritional, skill and psychosocial factors that often underlie feeding problems. An incredible variety of diagnoses exist within all four factors, and the relative severity of each factor varies for each child. This means that pediatric feeding disorders can look very different for different children.
Not all Children are the Same
Some children do not eat or drink enough to gain weight and grow. Some children do not have a balanced diet because they eat only a few foods. Some toddlers and children only eat purees or drink formula. Some children cough when they swallow or have difficulties coordinating their lips, tongue and jaw to manage food and swallow safely. Many children have oral sensitivities or oral aversions and may tantrum to avoid eating foods that they associate with fear or discomfort.
That is why MMI feeding services individualize treatment plans for each child.Evaluation and Treatment Options
We offer a variety of services to address the different needs of children with feeding and swallowing difficulties.
Learn more about dysphagia, the medical term for a swallowing disorder.
MMI speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists provide hospital inpatient feeding and swallowing services in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units.
MMI speech-language pathologists deliver feeding and swallowing services in collaboration with the Department of Pediatric Feeding Disorders. These services are provided on a regular basis and occur in both the outpatient clinic and the intensive day treatment program.
MMI occupational therapists conduct outpatient assessment and therapy for infants and young children with feeding and swallowing issues. Occupational therapists have expertise in oral motor development and the postural, systemic and neuro-physiological factors that cause feeding problems. This allows our occupational therapy team to provide you with a clear understanding of the developmental motor and sensory issues impacting your child’s progress and support skill progression in positive, natural contexts.
Pediatric feeding specialists on our team work with infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Our team’s interdisciplinary, data-driven approach is based on applied behavior analysis but strongly informed by the expertise of our speech-language pathologist, registered dietitian and pediatric gastroenterologist. This results in a plan created specifically for each child that helps them progress to age-appropriate eating.
Services offered include:
Care Coordination
Unsure where to start? MMI's Care Coordination Program supports and empowers families and caregivers to navigate health care, supportive services and resources within MMI and the community. After a diagnosis, MMI Care Coordinators can provide resources and help develop a plan of care involving multiple departments and services.