Understanding Feeding Therapy for Your Child
When mealtimes become stressful or your child struggles with eating, it can affect the entire family. Feeding therapy is a specialized intervention designed to help children develop healthier relationships with food. Whether your child is a picky eater, has sensory feeding issues, or faces oral motor challenges, therapy offers targeted support.
This feeding therapy session guide is here to help parents understand what really happens during a session, especially if you’re seeking feeding therapy in Orlando. At My Favorite Therapists Orlando, we offer personalized, compassionate care tailored to each child’s unique needs.
What to Expect in the First Session
Your child’s first feeding therapy session begins with an in-depth assessment. Our licensed feeding specialists in Orlando will work closely with both you and your child to create a comprehensive care plan.
Initial Assessment
This stage includes observing your child during a meal or snack. Therapists assess oral motor function, behavior around food, and any aversions or anxiety.
Parent-Child Observation
Parents are encouraged to be present and involved. This helps therapists understand family mealtime routines and the child’s environment.
Discussion of History and Challenges
Our experts will ask questions about medical history, feeding difficulties, growth patterns, and diet. This is part of the pediatric feeding therapy process to determine the best approach.
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Common Techniques Used in Feeding Therapy
Each therapy plan is tailored, but several evidence-based strategies are often used in sessions:
Food Play & Exposure
Children engage in fun, non-threatening food play to reduce anxiety. This is especially helpful in feeding therapy for picky eaters.
Oral Motor Exercises
Strengthening the lips, tongue, and jaw helps children chew and swallow properly. Oral motor therapy for children is a core component of our approach.
Sensory Desensitization
For children with sensory feeding issues, therapists introduce textures and smells gradually to build tolerance.
Behavioral Support Techniques
Behavioral strategies like positive reinforcement and routine-building help children feel more in control and willing to try new foods.
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How Parents Are Involved in the Therapy Process
Parental involvement is crucial for success. At My Favorite Therapists Orlando, we don’t just treat the child—we guide the whole family.
Coaching During Sessions
Parents are coached on how to use therapy techniques at home, promoting consistency outside of the clinic.
At-Home Activity Suggestions
You’ll receive customized activities to support therapy goals, especially helpful in toddler feeding therapy.
Progress Tracking
Therapists regularly review goals, celebrate wins, and make adjustments. Parents are always part of this feedback loop.
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How Long Does It Take to See Progress?
Each child is different, and so is their timeline. Some children make progress in a few weeks; others may need several months.
Influencing Factors:
- Diagnosis: Children with child feeding disorders or developmental delays may need longer support.
- Consistency: Weekly sessions plus at-home practice speed up improvement.
- Parental Support: Ongoing participation greatly impacts results.
Children with food aversion therapy needs, such as fear or refusal of food, typically require a more gradual, structured approach.
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Why Choose My Favorite Therapists Orlando?
We are committed to nurturing children through every step of their feeding therapy journey. Our licensed specialists offer a warm, playful environment designed to reduce stress and encourage success. Located conveniently in Orlando, our clinic is equipped with child-friendly therapy tools and a dedicated team trained in pediatric feeding therapy in Orlando.
Clinic Address:
6200 Lee Vista Blvd Suite #700, Orlando, FL 32822
Contact: (321) 401-5040
Feeding Therapy Services in Orlando
Ready to Help Your Child Build a Healthy Relationship with Food?
If you’ve been searching for answers and support, My Favorite Therapists Orlando is here for you. Our compassionate team guides families through every feeding therapy session, using a proven mix of therapy techniques, parental coaching, and personalized care.
Call us today at (321) 401-5040 or schedule your child’s first appointment.
We’re ready to help your child thrive through expert feeding therapy services in Orlando.
