by Kaylee Torok
Mealtime is crucial for children’s overall health, development, and quality of life. Many people mistakenly believe that mealtime problems are solely behavioral, but underlying physiological concerns may be at play. These issues can take the form of spillage, ‘feeding the floor,’ using hands instead of utensils, slouching, food refusal, spitting, coughing, gagging, and refusing fluids.
Caregivers sometimes assume that when all food or liquid appears to be consumed, their child has eaten or drunk it all. In reality, it might be on the floor or all over the child, leading to inadequate nutrition. Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists can help address these issues by providing mealtime assessments and treatments, including correcting alignment, positioning, providing equipment for control, and using handling techniques. At Leigh Harter Speech Services, we also offer caregivers education on therapeutic interventions outside of mealtime and at home.
Feeding difficulties can also impact speech directly. Adequate articulation, or the production of speech sounds, relies on precise muscle movements and coordination. Muscle weakness or lack of coordination can result in speech sound disorders and feeding difficulties, as many of the muscles used for talking are also used for feeding. Oral motor function encompasses areas such as awareness of pressure and movement, control of secretions, coordination for eating, drinking, and facial expressions, knowledge of the environment, and control of movement for talking.
If you suspect your child is experiencing feeding difficulties or speech delays, consider consulting a pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP). They can provide treatment through oral motor exercises to strengthen the necessary muscles, improve muscle tone and coordination in the oral cavity, lips, tongue, and jaw, as well as offer communication support and articulation exercises to enhance communication skills. Early intervention is essential for promoting healthy speech and feeding development.
Occupational therapists (OTs) adopt a holistic approach to address feeding difficulties, considering the physical, sensory, and behavioral aspects. They assess sensory integration, oral motor skills, and positioning and posture. Some children are sensitive to textures, tastes, and temperatures, which can lead to aversions to certain foods. OTs work to normalize these sensations and gradually expose children to new sensory experiences to expand their food preferences. They may also suggest adaptive equipment or techniques to improve posture, stability, and head control during feeding.
Meal times present an opportunity for family members to come together and engage in social interaction. Sharing meals encourages communication, bonding, and the development of social skills in children. Mealtimes are not only about nourishment but also about nurturing various aspects of a child’s well-being. Creating positive and enjoyable mealtime experiences supports physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development, ultimately contributing to a higher quality of life for kids. If your child or loved one is experiencing feeding difficulties, reach out to Leigh Harter Speech Services. Our passionate and positive multi-disciplinary team is eager to serve you!
Kaylee Torok, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
