Feeding Therapy
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The Sequential-Oral-Sensory Approach to Feeding (SOS) is the preferred treatment methodology for picky eaters and problem feeders alike and is the approach we use at Connections Therapy. It allows children to increase their comfort with various foods by interacting with them in a playful, non-stressful way. First, children learn to tolerate foods in the room, then to interact with foods by smelling, touching and tasting, and finally progressing to actually eating the food. In addition to working with your child, your therapist will help you support and encourage your child’s progress at home.
Evaluation
Intervention may focus upon:
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Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing
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Restricted oral intake
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Food aversions
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Transitioning from tube feedings to oral feedings
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Delayed self-feeding skills
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Transitioning to straw and open cup drinking
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Oral motor delays including weakness or discoordination impacting feeding success with chewing or moving food around in the mouth
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Failure to thrive or poor weight gain
When to Refer:
If one, or more, of the following occur:
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Picky eating
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Inability to manage different foods and textures
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Difficulty eating age-appropriate foods (textures and flavors)
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Increasing negative behaviors (crying, screaming, throwing, head turning)
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Losing weight due to food refusal
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Coughing or gagging when eating or drinking
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Child who has low volume oral intake
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Child who demonstrates food refusal
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Families who power struggle at meals