No human activity has greater biological or social significance than eating and studies indicate that for parents, feeding is one of their greatest responsibilities. Adequate nutrition is required for survival and plays an important role in socialisation. While eating develops seemingly automatically in most children, the type and amount of food that children eat changes significantly during the first three years of life. If this progression is problematic in any way it can have significant effects on the child, parents and family functioning.
However…
- Is your baby struggling to drink from the breast or bottle?
- Is your child suffering from reflux or regurgitating their food?
- Does your child struggle with accepting foods or refuse to try new foods?
- Is your child a fussy eater?
- Does your child have difficulties in chewing, swallowing or manipulating food?
- Are mealtimes unnecessarily stressful and lengthy?
- Was your child born prematurely?
- Does your child present with a genetic or neurological disorder?
…then consider a multi-disciplinary feeding assessment
The Speech-language Therapist and Occupational Therapist will assess:
- your child’s ability to control various foods and liquids.
- the co-ordination of their swallow.
- the nature of the foods or liquids consumed according to the child’s chronological and developmental age.
An assessment can offer the following advice:
- oral motor and feeding skill development.
- sensory and behavioural strategies.
- changes in feeding technique including alterations in positioning, utensils, food consistencies, the method and pacing of the food presentation.
When to book a feeding assessment?
If your child presents with any one or more of the following signs, it may be an indicator that they are struggling to feed effectively and assessment may be required.
- Respiration difficulties or a history of chronic upper respiratory infections
- Arching or stiffening of the body during feeds
- Irritability or lack of alertness during feeds
- Excessive coughing during or after feeds
- Eye watering or cessation in breathing
- Gurgly, hoarse or breathy vocal quality
- Problematic oral motor control such as an inability to chew food or propel it backwards
- Multiple swallows required for one spoonful
- Food refusal or food selectivity
- Difficulties transitioning between food utensils or food consistencies
- Lengthy feeding times (e.g. more than 30 minutes)
- Inadequate food intake affecting weight gain
Practical information:
Multidisciplinary Feeding assessments last approximately one and a half hours. It is helpful if the person who commonly feeds the child and/or the person who experiences the most difficulties feeding the child can attend the appointment, if practically possible.
Parents and/or caregivers are required to bring the following items to the assessment:
- The utensils the child uses most commonly to eat and drink.
- Three different examples of food items the child commonly eats. Try to bring varying tastes and textures i.e. Mashed vegetables, biscuits and pureed foods.
- One challenging item or food you would like your child to be able to eat.
A summary of findings will be issued on completion of the assessment and necessary follow-up appointments or referrals will be made according to the specific needs of the child.
For more information contact Hope Studio on 011 462 7490 or email speechtherapy@hope-studio.co.za
