Hello parents! So, are you worried about your kid because he/she has problems with feeding or swallowing? We understand how you feel about it. When a child refuses to eat, it can be distressing for parents. In childhood, many children show tantrums during mealtimes, which is quite normal. But it should go away as they grow. If a kid is not properly fed, it will affect his development, growth, and overall health. When you see this happening for a long time, like for several months, your child may need to see a therapist for feeding therapy.
If you take the right step and contact experts for guidance, your child’s feeding and swallowing disorders may be resolved.
Let’s help you understand feeding therapy
In simple terms, pediatric feeding therapy is a strategically developed therapy program that treats infants and young children who have feeding or swallowing disorders. The reasons behind these disorders can be any medical issue, muscle weakness in the face and neck, nutritional issues, psychosocial dysfunction, behavioral issues, or lack of feeding skills.
What feeding therapy does is it makes eating easier and more enjoyable for kids.
When do kids need feeding therapy?
Well, if as a parent you see these below signs in your child, then your child may have a feeding disorder and need therapeutic intervention:
The first thing is to check whether your child has difficulty or problems with chewing or swallowing. This condition is known as Dysphagia.
Another thing to notice is whether your little kid arches his/her back or stiffens during feeding. This is a very prominent sign if it is happening for long.
If your child swallows food in whole pieces, this can also be a feeding disorder. Plus, if they gag on specific foods because of textures, flavors or consistencies, it can also be a warning sign. Frequent coughs, gags or chokes during eating indicate children have some serious problems.
When you see, your kid drools a lot or has liquid coming out of their nose, or Vomits or spits up frequently during or immediately after feeding, you should immediately consult a therapist
Another thing to look for is whether your kid has difficulty moving food in their mouth or they are constantly fussy about eating or feeding – then you should take your kid to the therapist.
If you closely notice your child and find out that your child has trouble breathing when eating, then it can be a serious issue to consult with the therapist.
What can feeding therapy offer?
Feeding therapists work closely with children as well as their parents or caregivers. And they make a comprehensive feeding therapy plan to make mealtime more enjoyable and nutritious.
Some children do not have the oral skills that are actually needed to eat or drink. In this case, therapists guide them on how to control and coordinate the whole thing like – chewing, sucking, sipping, and finally swallowing. This whole process facilitates seamless eating and drinking.
Many children may need some extra assistance to increase the amount and as well as the type of foods they eat. Why? Because they have picky eating habits due to sensory issues, or other causes. Feeding therapists plan the right meal or the child to increase the amount and different types of foods in the diet plan. Here the goal is to introduce a variety of food to the kid and also reduce their sensitivities to foods and their textures.
Many children may develop negative feelings toward eating and mealtime. Feeding therapists always come up with strategic plans to remove this negativity and help the child intake various types of food in a more happy way.
Bottom line
Hope AMC is a leading pediatric rehabilitation center that offers one-of-a-kind feeding therapy for children in Dubai.
We have the most experienced therapists and doctors on our team who are compassionate to children.
Do not wait, if your kid has feeding or swallowing disorders. Consult our feeding therapists today! Or, visit our website for more details!
Feel free to reach out to us via social media, or email.
