Professional, prompt treatment for feeding issues

Finding a professional who understands and provides pediatric feeding therapy can be very difficult. Many therapists in the field of pediatric OT or Speech are general practitioners who provide oral-motor treatment along with general pediatric therapy. Feeding issues are often very complex and the need for treatment is beyond the scope of the general practitioner. There are programs that provide services in feeding however most have extensive waitlists. Treatment for feeding problems is time-sensitive and often need to be handled promptly. I do my very best to take on new clients as quickly as possible, while keeping in mind a waitlist if needed. When your child is having trouble eating, you want prompt care that can address the issues with visible and functional progress, yesterday!

Here are the services that I provide:

In-home feeding evaluation

The evaluation process starts with a phone call. We will discuss your child’s feeding issues and concerns, review the evaluation process, as well as payment and insurance reimbursement. I will send you a client information sheet and a “welcome letter” with all the information in writing so you will be able to contact your insurance carrier if needed. Once I obtain the order from your physician and you complete the intake paperwork, we will schedule the feeding evaluation at a time that is convenient for you and your child.

What to expect during the evaluation?

I will arrive at your house having fully reviewed the intake form and ready with additional questions related to the information provided. Next, I want to see what is going on at mealtime. I will ask that you prepare a meal with both preferred and non-preferred foods to conduct a meal “as usual” in your home setting. Dependent upon your child’s response, I may try some different treatment strategies and will perform an oral motor assessment to look at mouth structure and function. Lastly, we will discuss findings, a treatment plan (including frequency/intensity of treatment), recommendations and set goals.

In-home feeding therapy (intensive daily treatment, weekly or monthly)

Now that we have a plan, it is time to start the work. The first step to successful treatment outcome is building rapport, confidence and trust with the child. Depending upon the age of the child and their developmental stage this can be quick, or it may take a few sessions. Setting up a mealtime structure with foods the child already eats and establishing a good environment for meals (proper seating) is where we start. For kids that aren’t eating, we may start with exercises for the mouth and/or a dry spoon. From there, I will be using your child’s cues and responses to help direct me to create the “just right challenge” where we are moving forward and working a little out of your child’s comfort zone, but at a level where he/she can become successful. Pairing these challenges with additional positive reinforcement will aide in your child’s understanding and success.

Parent role

Initially you will be “off the hook” for a little bit and can sit in on sessions and observe. For the younger kiddos who are in the midst of “stranger danger” you may have more hands-on participation sooner in the plan. For the older kids, we may practice and then call you in to show you what we have accomplished and then have you practice. Once your child has mastered a new skill and is performing it consistently, it will be your turn to be the “coach.” Toward the end or throughout each session, parents will have an opportunity to practice in preparation for “homework.”

HomeworK

Consistency, carry-over and success with the treatment plan between sessions is the key to maximizing progress. This is hard work people! I will review the homework plan and give you specific instruction as well as a plan for what to do if things don’t go as “planned.” We will go over shopping lists and the plan for the next session. The goal is to give you an actionable plan so whatever I have taught you and your child in therapy becomes easy to recreate when I am not there! Many of you have had enough struggles in the past with uncertainty on what to do and how to react; having a specific plan can be reassuring. Homework is designed to be as fail-proof as possible. If there are unforeseen circumstances or responses, I am just a phone call or text away.

Telehealth feeding therapy

Telehealth is designed for those folks who are a distance away. You may ask, “But isn’t feeding therapy readily available in all areas?” Well, not necessarily. Yes, there is a lot of feeding therapy out there, but the methodology is often quite different. (Learn more about the TR-eat® model here). My clients seek my services from long distances because they have not been successful in finding local help. Telehealth offers an excellent opportunity for me to work with your child in your home over long distance. Telehealth services are scheduled in advance like any other session. I utilize Securevideo as a platform which meets HIPAA regulations. It is easy to download directly onto your laptop, tablet or smart phone. We will set up a plan and I will coach you and your child through the meal in person, with direct, real-time video conferencing. If you live in VA, AZ or MA this service is available to you.

Patient consultation

This service is available for a small fee if you just want to “pick my brain” and discuss feeding concerns, ask questions and get some basic advice but don’t necessarily feel you need feeding therapy per se. I am happy set up a phone consultation or meet with you in person.

Pill swallowing

Your child may be a great eater but may struggle with pill swallowing. Although this may seem like an easy task for many of us, some adolescents really struggle. They become highly anxious, gag, sometimes vomit and even avoid taking prescribed medications because the liquid form taste so badly. Following a structured systematic pill swallowing protocol, Pediatric Feeding Services may be the help you are looking for. This protocol has been highly successful and life changing. If your child is having trouble learning how to swallow pills, reach out today and see if I can help.

Professional consultation

As much as I love working directly with kids and parents, I also love to share my knowledge and teach. Consultation, training, in-services and courses are available for professionals in the field of pediatrics who are interested in advancing their skills and training their staff. Reach out and I can custom fit your needs.