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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.

Feeding disorders are very common. Though it is hard to quantify, “[a]pproximately 20-50% of normally developing children, and 70-89% of children with developmental disabilities” (1) have a feeding disorder. How does this happen so frequently?!

According to Dr. Kay Toomey’s research and reviews of other studies, of children who have feeding disorders, between 65-95% of cases are caused by both behavioral and natural, organic causes (2017) (2). In other words, more often than not, a feeding disorder is not just behavioral! For example, a child that has undiagnosed reflux or allergies has learned to refuse food, because they have learned that food causes them to have an upset stomach. They may continue to refuse food even after receiving treatment for the initial physiological problem. A child that has choked on some solids because of undiagnosed oral dysphagia will begin to only eat liquid and purees to avoid choking. A child that is refusing crunchy foods could have sensory processing disorder and benefit from desensitization. A child that is having a hard time breathing will refuse food in order to get enough oxygen to survive. The examples could go on and on. Every child is different, and needs to be diagnosed and treated holistically.

Some signs that may indicate your child could have a feeding disorder include:

• If your child eats less than 20 foods
• If mealtimes take more than 30 minutes
• If they refuse all of food of a certain texture or color, or are they having difficulty transitioning to solids
• If they are choking, coughing, or gagging while eating
• If they are demonstrating a lot of negative behaviors during meal times
• If they have difficulty with mealtime routines or have a hard time sitting at the table
• If they have difficulty chewing or swallowing (example: food left in their mouth after they’ve finished eating)

If you think your child could have a feeding disorder, or you feel that you’ve exhausted your options at home and don’t know where else to go, your child could likely benefit from a feeding evaluation and possibly feeding therapy. A pediatric feeding specialist can help you determine the cause, if a cause is present, make appropriate referrals, and plan the best course of treatment. Slowly, your child will become an adventurous and independent eater!

Sources:

1. 2013. June 13. Banchaun Benjasuwantep, Suthida Chaithirayanon, and  Monchutha Eiamudomkan. Feeding Problems in Healthy Young Children: Prevalence, Related Factors and Feeding Practices. Published online 2013 Jun 13. doi: 10.4081/pr.2013.e10
2. Toomey, Kay (2017). Top Ten Myths of Mealtime in America. SOS Approach to Feeding. https://sosapproach-conferences.com/resources/top-ten-myths-of-mealtime-in-america/

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In today’s hectic world of parenting, where every child seems to come with their unique set of challenges, one common struggle that many families face is dealing with picky eaters. It’s a scenario familiar to almost every parent or guardian out there. But fear not, because MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy is stepping in to offer a solution that not only addresses the needs of the child but also brings relief to the entire family.

During a recent segment on Live in the D, Tati Amare dove into the topic of feeding therapy with two experts from MetroEHS: Dawn Sterling, a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst, and Sam Fitzsimmons, the Director of Occupational Therapy. Their insights shed light on the signs indicating a child could benefit from feeding therapy, how MetroEHS approaches this issue, and invaluable advice for parents navigating feeding challenges.

According to Sam Fitzsimmons, pediatric feeding disorders are more common than we might think, with one in 23 children under the age of five affected. These disorders often accompany developmental disabilities like ADHD and autism, making them even more prevalent. Signs to watch out for include mealtime behaviors that disrupt daily routines, extreme food selectivity, and a reduction in the variety of foods consumed.

MetroEHS takes a holistic approach to feeding therapy, utilizing an interdisciplinary model that incorporates occupational therapy, speech therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), and physical therapy. Their goal is to make feeding a positive and enjoyable experience for children, starting with non-food items and gradually progressing to food-based activities through play and sensory exploration.

One of the most significant takeaways from the discussion is that it’s never too early to seek help. Whether it’s addressing difficulties with latching during breastfeeding in newborns or tackling food aversions in older children, MetroEHS is there to support families every step of the way.

When it comes to feeding strategies, Dawn Sterling emphasizes the importance of keeping things light and pressure-free. Rather than engaging in power struggles over food, she advocates for creating a nurturing environment where children feel comfortable exploring new foods at their own pace. The key is to focus on engagement and enjoyment, both for the child and the family.

In their own words, both Dawn and Sam emphasize MetroEHS’s commitment to holistic care, not just for the child but for the entire family. By adopting a whole-child approach and empowering families, MetroEHS aims to foster growth and success in every aspect of a child’s development.

As the conversation drew to a close, Tati Amare reiterated the accessibility of MetroEHS’s services, with 14 locations already established in Metro Detroit and three more on the horizon. Whether it’s ABA, speech, occupational, feeding, or physical therapies, MetroEHS stands ready to lend a helping hand to families in need.

In conclusion, dealing with picky eaters can be a daunting challenge, but with the right support and guidance from experts like those at MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy, families can overcome these obstacles and ensure that every child thrives. If you’re facing feeding difficulties with your child, don’t hesitate to reach out and discover the transformative power of pediatric feeding therapy.