Feeding therapists may use certain tools for oral motor exercises prior to or in conjunction with eating. When these tools aren’t accessible or available, food and drink can be used in functional activities to meet oral motor development goals. This resource contains quick and functional exercises using various food items to improve the strength, coordination, and mobility needed for safe eating.
This handy reference is helpful in understanding differences in food textures and consistencies when working with children on feeding therapy goals. The terms used for various textures can be used at mealtimes/during therapy to help children describe what they see, feel, and taste!
Feeding therapy often targets goals to increase a child’s comprehension and knowledge of food groups and nutrition based on their age. Visuals help children understand concepts better, and examining images of food may improve tolerance to interacting with the actual food. This activity offers an opportunity to learn about food groups and specific items in each group to promote balanced eating.
When a child participates in feeding therapy, carryover to the home and other settings is imperative for generalization (i.e., using skills outside of therapy). Tracking what is offered to the child and what the child accepts is a great place to start using this handy diary.
This resource is a checklist that clinicians may use to help determine which swallow instrumentation is best suitable for their patients. Clinicians may also use this as a resource when inservicing other disciplines on swallow instrumentation, or when communicating with patients and families about assessment options.
This visual provides a clear pathway from taking a bite, chewing the food, and swallowing, with a blank space to put a special reward that the child is working towards during therapy or at home.
This handout visually describes the proper positioning for comfort/safety, trunk/abdomen/back, table/tray, head/neck, and pelvis/legs/feet specifically for children with neurological disorders. This handout is targeted for therapists, parents, and caregivers.
This intervention handout includes information regarding how messy play can help address sensory issues related to picky eating and includes a basic recipe for play-dough that can be used in sensory play activities.