Navigating Grand Parenting Challenges: A Pathway to Expertise and Support

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.

Speech, Occupational and ABA Therapy provided in the comfort of your home via Teletherapy!

Teletherapy

MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy proudly offers excellent therapy to our clients, and service them in a way that suits their individual needs. Speech, Occupational and ABA Therapy provided in the comfort of your own home via Teletherapy! Teletherapy, or telepractice, uses a HIPPA compliant and secure video platform, similar to Skype, to connect a client to a specially trained Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist for live, individual treatment sessions. This virtual therapy is an excellent option for families all over Michigan who home-school, have busy schedules, or anyone who otherwise have a difficult time coming into the clinic. Contact us if you think Teletherapy would be a good fit for your family!

In addition to individual families, MetroEHS also offers Teletherapy to schools in Michigan to keep IEP’s in compliance. Please visit our Staffing Page to explore more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will my insurance cover Teletherapy?
   Most insurances cover Teletherapy, including many BCBS plans. Community Mental Health is not currently covering Teletherapy in the Metro Detroit counties, but this could change in the future.
2. How old does my child have to be to participate?
   Any age! If a child is young or active, the therapy session will be geared towards “parent training”. The therapist will provide materials and coach the parents to implement the goals and provide feedback.
3. Do kids find it boring?
   No! Our Teletherapy website offers a variety of picture cards and we always incorporate games to keep clients engaged. Kids also love having the attention of their parent and the person on the other side of the screen. It’s all about them!
4. What do I need to use Teletherapy?
   You will need internet connection, a computer or tablet with a camera, microphone, and speakers. Headsets are not required.
5. How will I access the platform?
   Your therapist will send you an email and you will make a free account. When it is time for your session, you will receive another email with a link to the session, you will put in your password, and you will be connected with your live therapist.
6. What if I live outside of Michigan?
   Due to state licensing requirements, we are only able to provide therapy to residents of Michigan.

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!