Signs a Child Should be Referred for Feeding Therapy

October 29 05:15 2019
Signs a Child Should be Referred for Feeding Therapy

While feeding therapy is something that is commonly needed for infants, it’s also common for children to begin feeding therapy later during their first years of life. This often occurs when solids are first introduced, but they are not accepted properly. 

The Feeding Process Isn’t Enjoyable – for Anyone

Some of the most common concerns of parents is if a child spits out their food and just wants milk or if they throw their food, plate, or cup. This can make a parent dread the feeding process.

While some consider this “toddler-like” behavior, it may also mean that they would benefit from the use of feeding therapy. There are several reasons that children act the way they do, but a trained professional, like the Goodwin Therapy Specialists, actually specialize in feeding skills, which can help determine why a child is acting this way, and more importantly, what can be done about it.

The Toddler Isn’t Growing Much

If a parent notices that their toddler is not meeting the growth milestones on the growth chart, but they haven’t been diagnosed as “failure to thrive,” then feeding therapy may be beneficial. Failure to thrive is very specific type of medical diagnosis that notates how much a child has stalled in their overall growth.

However, most pediatricians will refer a child who does not meet certain requirements to feeding therapy before these criteria are met. In most cases, if feeding therapy is recommended a parent will also have contact with gastroenterologists, registered dieticians, and other specialists.

Picky Eaters  

Kids that are between the ages of one and three are very well known for developing extremely picky eating habits. With a feeding evaluation, parents can learn two things – if the picky eating is age-appropriate or typical and how to prevent this from becoming a permanent problem.

Eating Well at One Place, but Not at Another

Sometimes a child can eat without hesitation or problems outside of the home, like at school, but struggle when they are inside the home. Feeding therapy can determine if a toddler is a more hesitant eater in the home than when in other environments.

Another example of this is children who can’t tolerate eating in a restaurant or another public setting. Sometimes, a restaurant is extremely stimulating for the child’s sensory system. A therapist that is trained in proper sensory integration can provide various strategies that will open the door to provide the child with new dining experiences. This is something else to find out about by visiting https://goodwintherapy.com.

Helping a Toddler Get the Needed Nutrition

When it comes to a child’s health, well-being, and nutrition, it’s crucial to ensure they are getting enough to eat. By doing this, a parent can feel confident that their child is going to remain healthy and meet the set growth milestones. Being informed is the best way to ensure the desired results are achieved.

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Company Name: Goodwin Therapy
Contact Person: Owner
Email: Send Email
Phone: (817) 764-3825
Address:6013 Reef Point Ln #401
City: Fort Worth
State: TX
Country: United States
Website: goodwintherapy.com/

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