Feeding Therapy

SOS Approach to Feeding

Introducing Houston’s Only Multi-Disciplinary Feeding Team

The “SOS” Sequential-Oral-Sensory Feeding Method

A Helping Hand for Every Mealtime

Mealtimes should be enjoyable, but for children with feeding disorders, they can be a source of anxiety, frustration, and even health concerns. This is where the multi-disciplinary approach, as advocated by ASHA (the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association), comes in.

What is a Feeding Disorder?

Feeding disorders go far beyond “picky eating.” They involve difficulties with the physical aspects of eating and swallowing (such as chewing or coordinating sucking) as well as behavioral components (like food refusal or excessive tantrums at mealtime). A feeding disorder can significantly impact a child’s growth, health, and overall well-being.

It Takes a Village: The Multi-Disciplinary Team

The American Speech-Hearing Association recognizes the causes of feeding disorders are complex. A single professional can’t tackle all the potential problems. That’s why the multi-disciplinary approach is so powerful. It brings together experts from various fields who are all trained in the Sequential-Oral-Sensory “SOS” approach to feeding.

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs): Speech pathologists on Therapy For Life‘s feeding team evaluate oral motor skills essential for safe and efficient eating. They help children develop the strength and coordination to chew, suck, and swallow food textures. They also address sensory sensitivities that may impact eating.
Occupational Therapists (OTs): Occupational therapists on Therapy For Life‘s feeding team help with positioning and fine motor skills for using utensils and can further address sensory issues that influence mealtime participation.
Psychologists/Behavioral Specialists: Therapy For Life‘s Board-Certified Behavior Analysts on the feeding team understand the behavioral side of feeding challenges. They create strategies to reduce mealtime anxiety, provide positive reinforcement for trying new foods, and help parents support their child in a calming and healthy manner.
Physicians/Pediatricians: Therapy For Life‘s child psychologist and relationship with the developmental behavior pediatrician provide skilled doctors on the feeding team to assess and treat underlying medical conditions (like reflux or allergies) contributing to feeding disorders and keep children healthy throughout the feeding therapeutic process.

How It Works

Comprehensive Evaluation: Each team professional assesses the child in their area of expertise. This includes medical screenings and clearance, observations, and trials with different foods and textures.
Team Collaboration: The Real Magic! TFL’s feeding team members share their findings and create a multi-disciplinary treatment plan that involves strategies spanning the expertise of all professionals on the team.
Ongoing Therapy & Monitoring: Feeding therapy can happen individually (with SLPs, OTs, or the psychologist) and through team sessions. Progress is tracked closely, and the treatment plan is adjusted as your child improves.

Benefits of Therapy For Life’s Multi-Disciplinary Approach

Targeting the Root of the Problem: Each part of the puzzle causing the feeding difficulties is addressed, rather than just the most obvious symptom.
Comprehensive Solutions: Parents get guidance from real experts in feeding and training at each step—what to try at home and how to handle specific behavioral or sensory challenges they might be facing.
Better, Faster Results: The certified feeding team’s coordinated, consistent strategies mean children learn new skills and improve their relationship with food more efficiently.

Are You Concerned About Your Child?

If mealtimes are stressful or your child exhibits signs of a feeding disorder, a qualified SLP is a great person to seek guidance from. We can help you understand the full picture and connect you with other multi-disciplinary team members for effective intervention.