Wachusett Pediatric Therapy Center
SERVICES
Feeding Therapy
Evaluation
& Diagnostics
We provide comprehensive feeding evaluations to help identify feeding difficulties as they relate to oral-motor functioning, sensory processing, and differentiating between a "picky eater" and problem feeder.
Feeding Therapy
We utilize concepts from the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding (SOS®) to guide feeding therapy in our Sterling office. Through therapy we address a variety of feeding difficulties and focus on building the skills necessary for successful mealtimes.
Consultation
At WPTC, we view ourselves as part of your child’s team. As such, we enjoy and encourage collaboration with all providers, across disciplines, in various settings.
We offer consultations to provide continuity and coordination of care, contribute to school-based program meetings, and review Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for families to make recommendations.
The Evaluation Process
Call
Call WPTC so we can guide you through our intake process, discuss your child, discuss your concerns, and schedule your child’s evaluation.
Forms
The day of the evaluation, you will complete evaluation forms including a developmental history. We also request that you bring 2-3 preferred foods and 2-3 non-preferred foods.
Evaluation
The evaluation will be 60 minutes, where clinical observations and assessments tools will be utilized to evaluate your child’s general development and you will be asked to accompany your child during the feeding portion.
Review
After the evaluation, the therapist will meet with you for up to 30 minutes to share initial evaluation findings and to help you determine next steps.
Report
Your therapist will compile all information and analyze assessment data to finalize the evaluation report which will then be shared with you electronically. A post-evaluation phone call or in-person meeting can be scheduled to review the evaluation report in greater detail.
Signs That Feeding Therapy Would Help Your Child
● Poor weight gain, weight loss, or increase in height without weight gain
● Choking, gagging, or coughing when consuming foods or at the site of foods
● History of a traumatic choking incident
● Becomes distressed during most meals
● Becomes distressed by the site or smell of a certain food
● Eats less than 20 foods by two years of age
● Avoids textures or mix-textured foods
● Avoids or rarely consumes foods from a food group (e.g., fruits, vegetables, proteins
● Inability to transition to baby purees by 10 months of age
● Inability to accept any table food solids by 12 months of age
● Inability to transition from breast/bottle to a cup by 16 months of age (if warranted by parents)
● History of respiratory issues impacting eating and breathing coordination
● Frequently spits up or vomits during or after meals
● Increased instances of drool during meals
● Required extended time to eat
● Has difficulties sitting at the table to participate in mealtime
*Some of the items on this list have been adapted from the “Red Flags for Problem Feeding” handout created by the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation. Please visit www.SPDFoundation.net for further information or additional resources.