Feeding Therapy
Ages 6 months+ | Child-led & Trauma-Informed | Ann Arbor-based
Feeding and meal times can be a large stressor for families—but we are here to help! Through our Ann Arbor-based feeding program, both the parent and child are actively involved in our interactive, child-led therapy process. Our feeding therapists take a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to feeding therapy, with a goal to bring joy back to meal times. Our process guides the client through 32 steps to feeding, supporting and modeling along the way. We emphasize the importance of sensory identification and discrimination throughout exploring foods.
In conjunction with feeding therapy, your occupational therapist may also recommend working on additional skills that play a role in feeding (regulation, coordination, core strength, postural control, motor planning, fine motor skills). Our therapists will provide comprehensive instruction and education for the parent(s) and family to ensure skills carry over into the home environment, guiding in affirming feeding routines and practices.
Feeding therapy can be appropriate for all ages!
We are currently seeing feedings clients ages 6 months+
Why Seek Out Early Support for Feeding?
Support parents who are hesitant with starting solids and struggling on where or how to start.
Guide new sensory experiences when starting solid foods.
Help babies who may be struggling to manage age-appropriate food within their mouth.
Strengthen oral motor skills.
Improve core strength, postural control, fine motor, and coordination skills required for feeding.
Gather age-appropriate expectations and safety supports around starting solids.
For Infants, Requirements Include:
Green light to start solids from your pediatrician.
Baby is able to sit independently and maintain strong head control (if they are not, we may be able to help!)
For children ages 1 year or older, feeding therapy may be appropriate if:
Meal times feel like a daily stressor.
The client maintains a restricted number of foods in their food repertoire (less than 20 foods across fruits, vegetables, proteins, carbs).
The client refuses or displays dysregulation around exposure to or trialing new foods.
They eat the same foods or meals on consecutive, back-to-back days.
The client is eating foods or meals other than what is being served to the whole family.
Meet Our Feeding Therapist
Amanda Padilla, MOT, OTRL
Occupational Therapist
