Feeding & Swallowing
We support children and adults with feeding and swallowing difficulties through evidence-based strategies tailored to their needs. Our goal is to make eating and drinking safer, more comfortable, and more effective.”
Understanding Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
Some children and adults find eating or drinking more challenging than others. They might cough or choke during meals, take a long time to eat, avoid certain foods, or struggle to gain weight. These issues are often related to how the body moves food and drinks from the mouth to the stomach.
Feeding and swallowing difficulties can happen for many reasons, including developmental delays, medical conditions, or muscle coordination issues.
Common signs to look out for:
⦁ Coughing or choking during meals
⦁ Refusing certain textures or food types
⦁ Frequent chest infections
⦁ Long mealtimes or food refusal
⦁ Difficulty gaining weight or staying hydrated
Speech pathologists are trained to assess and support safe and comfortable eating. With the right strategies, we help build skills, improve nutrition, and reduce stress around mealtimes—for both the individual and the family.
Our Evidence-Based Approach
Current Research
Therapy and strategies implemented are shaped by the latest evidence to ensure effective and up-to-date care.”
Clinical Expertise
Decisions are guided by the skills and knowledge of trained professionals with experience in supporting diverse needs.
Client and Family Values
Evidence highlighting the importance of caregiver involvement for successful feeding therapy outcomes.
Feeding & Swallowing Therapy Services
Comprehensive Assessments
A detailed evaluation helps identify the underlying causes of feeding and swallowing challenges, including:
- Clinical observations of feeding or swallowing.
- Use of tools such as the Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) or Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) in collaboration with medical specialists.
- Input from families, caregivers, or interdisciplinary team members.
Personalised Therapy Plans
Based on assessment results, we design customised programs targeting:
⦁ Improving oral-motor skills for chewing, biting, or swallowing.
⦁ Introducing new textures and expanding food variety for picky eaters.
⦁ Addressing sensory aversions to certain food properties, such as texture, smell, or taste.
⦁ Providing compensatory strategies to reduce choking or aspiration risks.
⦁ Creating mealtime management plans.
Parent and Caregiver Education
Families play a critical role in therapy. We offer:
- Training on safe feeding techniques and meal routines.
- Guidance on creating positive mealtime experiences.
- Strategies for managing feeding challenges at home or in community settings.
Telehealth Options
Virtual sessions are available for clients needing remote access to feeding therapy.