Therapies and programs

Feeding and dysphagia

Eating and drinking involve more than choosing foods. Sensory experiences, oral skills and swallowing can all contribute to mealtime difficulties. Our service approach includes oral motor work, sensory-based food exploration and caregiver collaboration.

Understanding your child’s mealtime needs

Questions you can bring

My child avoids particular foods or textures.
Bottle, cup, utensil or solid-food transitions are difficult.
I have questions about chewing or swallowing.
Mealtimes have become difficult for our family.

Start with the full picture

Tell the clinic about your child’s usual foods, relevant medical history and what happens during meals. Mention coughing, choking, pain or growth concerns when arranging care so the appropriate evaluation can be discussed. Food selectivity and swallowing difficulty are different concerns; care should be based on the individual assessment.

Explore mealtimes together

In our daily living and feeding room, activities are guided by your child’s assessment and mealtime goals. For a child who avoids certain foods, therapy may include opportunities to explore and engage with those foods. The therapist considers sensory needs and comfort as the session unfolds and discusses progress with you afterward.

Inside Sensory Bridge

A look at clinic activities

Explore moments from our clinic spaces and activities. The therapist selects and adapts activities for each child’s goals, interests and needs.

Exploring food 2 pictures

Child uses a food cutter to explore a banana during SOS feeding therapy. — SOS feeding therapy: a child explores a banana with a food cutter during purposeful food play.

Therapist offers an orange wedge for a child to explore during SOS feeding therapy. — SOS feeding therapy: a therapist invites a child to explore an orange wedge.

Explore all clinic pictures

Explore our specialties

SOS Approach to Feeding

Learn about this specialty and how it can connect with your child's therapy goals.

Learn about this approach

Common questions

Is feeding therapy only for picky eating?

Families may ask about food variety, eating skills or swallowing. The next step depends on the concern and the child’s needs.

Where can I learn about the team’s feeding training?

Meet our clinicians on the About page to learn about their feeding training, including SOS Feeding, VitalStim and AEIOU Feeding. We can help you discuss which clinician and approach fit your child’s needs.

Meet the clinical team · Prepare for a first visit

Your next step

Share your question with the clinic to discuss an appropriate starting point.

Discuss a feeding concern

Or call (909) 258-9292.