Feeding and Swallowing Therapy

Some children may exhibit difficulty feeding and /or swallowing. Signs and symptoms of difficulty can include:

• Coughing and gagging during feeding
• Difficulty coordinating breathing with drinking or eating
• Hoarse or breathy voice quality
• Excessive drooling
• Loss of food/liquid from the mouth
• Prolonged meal time (greater than 30 minutes)
• Avoidance of food textures
• Problems chewing
• Pneumonia or respiratory infections
• Frequent spiting up
• Arching or stiffening body during feeding
• Failure to gain weight

Our specialized staff provides clinical feeding and videofluoroscopic swallow studies to identify the causes of the child’s feeding/swallowing difficulty.

We work closely with physicians, nutritionists, and occupational, physical and speech therapists within and outside the UW Health care system to comprehensively address the child’s health, growth and feeding needs. Our treatment programs vary depending on the causes and symptoms of the feeding and swallowing problems.

Treatment may include:

• SOS (sequential oral sensory) approach to feeding development
• Chewing and biting skill development
• Cup drinking
• Oral motor stimulation and desensitization
• Diet changes
• Positioning changes
• Alteration of mealtime schedule
• Utensil and/or bottle modification

We provide consultation services as well as ongoing treatment programs. Ongoing treatment programs may range from 6 to 18 months.