Feeding and Swallowing Therapy for children
Symbiosis Pediatric Therapy provides compassionate, evidence-based feeding and swallowing therapy for children in Abbotsford who experience challenges with eating, drinking, swallowing, or mealtime routines. Whether your child is a selective eater, struggles with sensory sensitivities, has oral motor difficulties, or needs support related to Autism, ADHD, or developmental delays, we are here to help. If you are looking for a trusted feeding therapy program in Abbotsford, our team is ready to support your family.
Program Overview
What is Feeding Therapy?
Symbiosis Feeding & Swallowing Therapy in Abbotsford is usually organized by our Pediatric Occupational Therapy Team, who specializes in assessing and providing individualized treatment for children which maybe due to sensory experiences, oral motor deficits, and behavior based feeding strategies to overcome the feeding challenges.
Our services are directed towards developing the skills necessary and providing social-emotional support to promote a positive mealtime experience. We integrate neurodevelopmental, oral-motor, sensory, and relationship-based approaches into our treatment.
How It Helps
How will the Feeding and Swallowing program at Symbiosis help my child?
Our Occupational Therapy team also collaborate with the Speech-Pathologist in Abbotsford and other professionals to help your child with feeding/swallowing difficulties. During the evaluation, we will ask about your child’s medical history, development, and symptoms. We will look at the strength and movement of the muscles involved in swallowing and observe feeding to see the child’s posture, behavior, and oral movements during eating and drinking.
We work closely with you to increase your child’s acceptance of different foods and liquids by altering food texture or liquid consistencies if necessary. For young infants, we work on the coordination of the suck-swallow-breath pattern. With collaborative efforts, your support, and an excellent problem-solving approach, we can help children enjoy feeding again!
How feeding program helps
What is Feeding Therapy?
We recommend a Feeding Assessment first for children experiencing the abovementioned issues to ascertain the condition. During the assessment, our Feeding team will conduct an in-depth interview with the parents, observe the child’s eating and drinking abilities, and may implement trial strategies that can help improve the child’s feeding skills. Depending on the outcome of the assessment, our team might recommend Feeding Therapy.
Feeding Therapy can be conducted in an individual or group setting. Our therapists may use the Positive Behaviour Plan and Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding during these sessions. The SOS approach is a play-based method that helps fussy eaters develop a positive relationship with food. It aims to increase interactions with a variety of food through systematic desensitization.
- Frequent gagging, choking, or vomiting during meals
- Refusal to try new foods
- Failure to accept different textures of food (e.g., only pureed foods or crunchy cereals)
- Prolonged feeding times (e.g., more than 30 minutes)
- Excessive coughing or gagging during meals
- Excessive drooling or food/liquid coming out of the mouth or nose
- Gurgly, hoarse, or breathy voice quality
Program Benefits
Features of Symbiosis feeding and swallowing program
Benefits of the feeding and swallowing program at Symbiosis Abbotsford
This program is designed for children experiencing feeding difficulties such as those listed below due to various factors, including physiological, sensory, or behavioral challenges. We tailor our services to meet each child’s unique needs
- Limited variety of food intake
- Excessive crying or screaming during meals
- Physiological issues like reflux or food allergies
- Tantrums when given new foods
- Refusal to eat certain food textures or groups
- Sensory sensitivities affecting eating habits
Book Feeding Therapy in Abbotsford
If you are concerned about picky eating, mealtime struggles, sensory feeding issues, or swallowing challenges, early support can make a big difference.Contact Symbiosis Pediatric Therapy today to book a feeding therapy assessment in Surrey.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding feeding therapy
How do I know if my child needs feeding and swallowing therapy?
Signs include frequent gagging, refusal to try new foods, or prolonged feeding times. Consultation with our specialists can provide clarity.
What techniques are used in feeding therapy sessions?
Our sessions incorporate a variety of approaches, including positive reinforcement, sensory strategies, and guided practice, tailored to each child’s needs
How can feeding and swallowing therapy benefit my child?
Therapy aims to improve oral motor skills, expand food acceptance, and enhance mealtime experiences, promoting overall health and well-being.
Can feeding therapy be done in clinic or at home?
Depending on the feeding therapist, therapy may be offered in a clinic like Symbiosis in Abbotsford or at home, or through online parent coaching. The best setting depends on your child’s needs and goals.
Abbotsford Feeding Therapy clinic location
Easy access from the Abbotsford neighbourhood
East Abbotsford: Just a short drive via Marshall Road or Old Yale Road.
West Abbotsford: Quick access using Clearbrook Road or South Fraser Way
Central Abbotsford: Convenient route via Gladwin Road or McCallum Road
Clearbrook: Easy drive using Clearbrook Road or Highway 1
Sumas Prairie: Direct access via Highway 11 or South Fraser Way
Matsqui: Reach us easily from Highway 1 and Mt. Lehman Road
Awards and Recognitions
