Why Is Early Intervention Feeding Therapy So Important for Children?

What is the Intensive Feeding Therapy Program Like at MetroEHS?

As we dive into the details of the Intensive Feeding Therapy Program at MetroEHS, hear from the experts at MetroEHS and how they collaborate on the most wholistic approach to Intensive Feeding Therapy.

Jessica Hunt (Occupational Therapist/Feeding Specialist):
When it comes to treating children who have complex feeding difficulties and pediatric feeding issues, there's a multitude of things that are typically at the root of the problem. So what's very unique about the program that we have here is that we have involvement from both occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, a dietician, as well as psychology.

Rose Britt (Registered Dietitian):
So it's all five disciplines. Spending time together with the family, with the patient, with each other, all talking at one cohesive time, making a plan instead of grabbing pieces from all over the place and putting them together. I think it makes it a lot smoother for us and the families as well.

Kris Krajewski (Director PT, OT, and Speech Services/SLP):
Each of our disciplines really does have something to offer to this process, but when we work all together, we have the ability to help our kiddos make more progress more quickly.

Kayla Daniels (Physical Therapist):
At Metro, we really take a whole body approach. We don't just look at one aspect of the child. And a lot of people don't think of physical therapy as part of the feeding team, but in order to eat, you have to use all of these posture and muscles, you have to hold yourself up. You have to hold your head up to be able to swallow. So really focusing on all of those aspects of your body is really important to be able to make the progress.

Azari Haygood (Psychologist):
As a psychologist on staff for the Intensive Feeding Program, I offer mental health services to the families and to some of the clients. It's very stressful for a lot of these families. It's stressful for the clients that we see. And so, I offer just another support for them, where I'm helping them kind of overcome some of the stressors that they're experiencing around feeding.

Rose Britt (Registered Dietitian):
It's not just me telling you what to do. There's so much more going into that, and you get to really listen to the families and hear why it's not working and problem solve together.

Kayla Daniels (Physical Therapist):
The impact you can make, not only on the child's life, but on the family's life as a whole is huge.

Azari Haygood (Psychologist):
Seeing that improvement in their family's lives feels really great all around.

Jessica Hunt (Occupational Therapist/Feeding Specialist):
One in 23 children have a pediatric feeding issue. And so, to truly be able to address all of the aspects of that in one place, that's where we get to make a difference every single day.

Kris Krajewski (Director PT, OT, and Speech Services/SLP):
It's like when you have a jigsaw puzzle and you're missing one piece, you can still tell what the picture of the jigsaw puzzle is going to be, but when you have all of the pieces together, integrated into this treatment, the result is just something so much more beautiful.

Brittany: Hello! My name is Brittany, I am the bilingual Speech Pathologist at Metro EHS in Sterling Heights and Detroit.

Mallory: Hi! My name is Mallory, and I work in the Human Resources Department at the administrative office in Plymouth.

B: And we are so excited to announce that MetroEHS now offers speech therapy in Spanish and English!

M: That’s great! We can service Metro Detroit kids in their native language! But Brittany, can you tell me how to know if my child needs speech therapy?

B: Sure! If you have concerns about the language or articulation development of your child, it is possible that he/she might benefit from speech therapy. For example, if your child cannot pronounce certain sounds, does not say a lot of words or combine words to form sentences, or if you cannot understand him/her, we can do an evaluation to see if he/she qualifies for speech therapy.

M: That sounds great! What happens next?

B: After the evaluation, if therapy is necessary, we are able to initiate therapy in English, Spanish, or both languages to help your child communicate with family, friends and all of the people in the child’s life using their preferred language.

M: So cool! Are any other therapies offered?

B: Of course! We also offer therapy for feeding difficulties, stuttering, problems with social language secondary to autism, and the use of augmentative and alternative communication for children who are not able to talk using verbalizations. Here at MetroEHS we also offer occupational and behavior therapy at all of our centers. We have a phenomenal team of therapists that provide individualized services for your child. And Mallory, you can assist Spanish-speaking families get started, right?

M: Of course! We accept most insurances. I would be happy to answer any questions that families might have. Call our office to see if your child might benefit from speech therapy or other therapies in Spanish, English, or both languages. Our telephone number is 313-278-4601. We would love to talk to you!

Brittany: Hola! Me llamo Brittany y soy la terapeuta bilingue de habla en MetroEHS en Sterling Heights y Detroit.

Mallory: Hola! Me llamo Mallory y trabajo en el departamentro de recursos humanos en la oficina administrativa en Plymouth.

Brittany: Estamos emocionados de anunciar que MetroEHS ofrece la terapia de habla en ingles y espanol.

Mallory: Que excelente! Podemos proporcionar la terapia de habla a ninos en MetroDetroit en su idioma nativo. Brittany, me puedes explicar como saber si mi hijo necesita la terapia de habla.

Brittany: Por supuesto! Si tiene preocupaciones del desarrollo del lenguaje o de la articulacion de su hijo es posible que se beneficie de la terapia de habla. Por ejemplo,  si su hijo no puede pronunciar ciertos sonidos, no dice muchas palabras ni combina palabras para hacer oraciones, o si no le puede entender a su hijo, podemos hacer una evaluacion para ver si califica para la terapia de habla.

Mallory: Suena muy bien! Que pasara despues?

Brittany: Despues de la evaluacion, si las terapias son necesarias, podemos iniciar las terapias en ingles, espanol o ambos idimos para ayudar a hijo a comunicarse con la familia, los amigos y todas las personas en su vida usando su idioma preferido.

Mallory: Guau(wow)! Ofrecen otras terapias?

Brittany: Tambien ofrecemos terapias para dificultades con la alimentacion, el tartamudeo, problemas con el lenguje social secundario al autismo, y el uso de comunicacion aumentativa y alternativa para ninos que no puede hablar con verbalizaciones. En MetroEHS, ofrecemos la terapia ocupacional y la terapia de comportamiento (ABA). Tenemos un equipo fenomenal de terapeutas que proporcionan servicios individualizados para su hijo. Mallory, tu puedes ayudar a las familiar que hablar espanol en la oficina, verdad?

Mallory: Por supuesto! Aceptamos muchos seguros medicos. Yo estaria encantada de responder a cualquier pregunta que tenga. Llame nuesta oficina para ver si su hijo se podria beneficiar de la terapia de habla en espanol, ingles, o ambos idiomas. El numero de telefono de la oficina es 313-278-4601. Nos encantaria hablar con usted.

In the grand battle of dinnertime, where broccoli becomes a villain and picky eaters stage epic showdowns, there exists a team of superheroes ready to save the day—Pediatric Feeding Therapists! These mighty champions use their super skills to help babies, toddlers, and children with feeding challenges, ensuring every little hero gets the nutrition they need to grow strong.

The Origin Story: What is Pediatric Feeding Therapy?

Pediatric feeding therapy unites speech therapists, occupational therapists, and sometimes behavior analysts (yes, ABA superheroes!) to help children overcome feeding struggles. Whether it’s a sensory issue, difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or just a deep-seated dislike for anything green, these experts use science, patience, and fun strategies to turn mealtime mayhem into moments of mastery.

Many young heroes-in-training face powerful foes:

The Texture Titan – That sneaky foe who makes certain foods feel ‘icky’ or unbearable.

The Gag Goblin – The reason some kids struggle with new foods and textures.

The Avoidance Avenger – The mastermind behind food refusals and dinnertime battles.

The Autism Anomaly – Children with autism often experience heightened sensory challenges that impact eating habits.

Fear not! Early intervention in feeding therapy provides the best chance to defeat these villains before they gain strength. The sooner a child receives support, the more likely they are to develop healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.

In all seriousness, some pediatric feeding disorders are complex and often require a comprehensive approach individualized for each child and family. MetroEHS provides scheduling options dependent upon the family schedule and the severity of the diagnosis. All evaluations are performed by a Team of Feeding/Swallowing Specialists. MetroEHS Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists work in tandem with Parents to improve feeding and swallowing disorders.

The Power of Breastfeeding Support

For the tiniest superheroes just starting their feeding journey, breastfeeding support and lactation therapy can make a world of difference. Some babies face challenges with latching, tongue ties, or milk transfer, which can make feeding difficult and stressful for both baby and parent. Lactation consultants and feeding therapists work together to provide guidance on positioning, improving latch techniques, and addressing any underlying oral-motor issues. Early support ensures that even the youngest heroes get the nourishment they need to thrive from day one!

The Superpower of Early Intervention in Feeding Therapy

Early intervention is like unlocking a hidden superhero ability—striking before the villains take full control! The benefits of starting pediatric feeding therapy as soon as you suspect an impending battle or villainous origin story:

Building Healthy Eating Habits: Introducing a variety of foods early makes for a well-rounded diet.

Improving Oral-Motor Skills: Strengthening those tiny mouth muscles for better latch or better chewing and swallowing.

Reducing Mealtime Stress: No more dinnertime showdowns! Parents and children both enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Enhancing Independence: Teaching kids to confidently try new foods and textures on their own.

Assembling Your Feeding League

If your baby, toddler, or child struggles with eating, picky eating, or sensory issues, it’s time to call in the feeding therapy superheroes. ABA techniques, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can all work together to build confidence at mealtime.

Remember, every great hero starts somewhere and learns new skills best when they are small. With early intervention and the right team behind them, your little one can transform from a mealtime sidekick into a fearless food explorer!

Is your child ready to join the Feeding League? The adventure begins now!