If you’re worried that your child isn’t getting the nutrients needed to maximize their growth and development, turn to PediaPlex, with locations in Southlake, Alliance, Fort Worth, and Frisco, Texas. Autism spectrum disorder specialist Sonia Kirkpatrick, MBA, and her exceptional team offer feeding therapy to help your child eat a variety of nutritious foods. Call the PediaPlex office to learn more.
Feeding therapy at PediaPlex uses innovative, highly effective techniques to help children who are picky eaters consume a wider array of nutritious options. Doing so reduces the risk of nutritional deficiencies and enhances their growth and development.
Common signs and symptoms of pediatric feeding disorders in children include:
Though any child can develop a feeding disorder, risk factors include food allergies, palate defects, digestive problems, and autism spectrum disorder, as well as gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) and delayed exposure to certain foods.
About 80% of people with developmental disabilities have some type of feeding disorder.
PediaPlex providers offer feeding therapy evaluations to determine the type and severity of feeding disorder your child may have. They observe your child when they eat or use tests that detect underlying problems, such as sensory perception issues, problems with the mouth and swallowing, or combinations of such complications.
The four main feeding disorder categories children can fall into include:
After your child’s evaluation, a pediatric feeding therapist consults with their primary physician, gastrointestinal physician, nutritionist, or occupational therapist, if needed.
They give you a report containing findings and appropriate feeding therapy services, before developing a treatment plan based on your child’s individual needs.
During feeding therapy, children and parents work with a specialist to improve feeding techniques, routines at home, meal times, and meal plans. Parents could spend at least 10-15 minutes per day practicing feeding therapy at home.
Over time, you can expect your child to:
With the right support and feeding therapy at PediaPlex specialists, mealtime for you and your family can become enjoyable, beneficial, and include a wide array of healthy foods that meet your child’s nutritious needs. This, in turn, enhances their growth and development.
To learn more about feeding therapy at PediaPlex, call the office.
