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!

AAC Devices in Pediatric Therapy

AAC is the term used to describe any form of communication that a person can use that is not speech. This may include pointing to pictures of what the person wants, using sign language, or using a device that will speak a message when a specific button is pushed.

MetroEHS can boast a 100% success rate in supplying clients with these crucial communication devices giving a voice to our superheroes.

When Should AAC be Considered for a Child?

An AAC device should be considered for any child whose speech output is not adequate to fully communicate their wants and needs.

Things to consider:

-Child’s frustration levels

-Adult frustration levels

-Access to school curriculum

-Participation in classroom activities

-Ability to demonstrate knowledge to teachers

-Access to home and community environment

-Ability to interact appropriately with family and peers

-Independence in developmentally-appropriate daily activities

MetroEHS partners with an AAC company and a medical equipment company. These companies serve as consultants for Metro EHS SLPs as we work toward supplying families with AAC devices. Some AAC tools are covered by insurance, but some are not. MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy will help you understand your options.

The Process:

Step One: Our SLPs identify kiddos who might benefit from using AAC!

Step Two: We begin trialing different devices and different communication systems determining which systems work best for each individual client. There are several devices and programs to choose from.

Step Three: Once the SLP determines which system works best, an AAC evaluation is submitted to the client's pediatrician for review. If the pediatrician approves, we obtain a prescription for the device, much like obtaining a prescription for a splint, or other form of medical equipment.

Step Four: When the prescription is received, the prescription and evaluation report are all submitted to the insurance company.  Once approved, the device is ordered!

Step Five: The device is delivered to the family and they family receives assistance with set up and demonstration.  The device fully belongs to the child.

After the device is in the hands of our client, MetroEHS SLPs work with the family and the client to integrate the device into their world in speech therapy.

With Locations all over South East Michigan and excellent Speech Therapy services, MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy is here to help. Browse through our Locations Page to find a Local Therapy Center near you!

Starting your Clinical Fellowship year is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Before you jump in, take a little time to reflect. Asking yourself the right questions now can help you find the best fit and start your career with confidence.

1. Who will my clients be?

Do you see yourself in pediatrics (schools, outpatient, hospital?) or working with adult patients (in the hospital, SNF, outpatient, or specializing?),? What areas draw you in? Articulation, AAC, literacy, language, or feeding? You don’t have to have it all figured out—but having a general direction helps.

2. What work environment fits me best?

Think about where you thrive! Do you prefer a fast-paced clinic , scheduling yourself in a school environment, or in home with your patients? Do you want to work closely with other professionals everyday or have more independence?

3. What kind of support do I need?

Your CF supervisor plays a huge role in your experience. Ask yourself: Do I want hands-on guidance? Frequent feedback? A team I can easily turn to with questions? An experienced mentor?

4. What do I want to learn this year?

Your CF isn’t just about completing hours—it’s about growing your skills. What do you want to feel confident in by the end of the year?

5. What are my non-negotiables?

Consider what matters most to you. Ask about caseload size (both appointments and number of patients/students whose cases you must manage), work-life balance, mentorship, or pay structure (W2 vs 1099). Knowing your priorities will help you make the right decision.

You can also ask about benefits! Some benefits make a big difference today like PTO, paid holidays (are they taken out of your PTO?), medical coverage, and more. Other will shape your future in a big way, like the retirement plan options.

6. How will I take care of myself?

This year can be demanding. Think about how you’ll manage stress, stay organized, and maintain balance so you can show up as your best self.

Your CF year is just the beginning. Taking time to reflect now can set you up for a more meaningful, supported, and successful start in the field. And if you can, find a mentor who will guide you through these sometimes-challenging questions.

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