Feeding Resources (edited July 9, 2008)

I’ve found some great resources for parents and therapists who work with children with feeding difficulties.  

Children with communication challenges often exhibit various problems with feeding skills.  Sometimes these issues are sensory based, meaning there’s a difference in how a child’s system processes and handles the various textures, tastes, smells, and even the sight of foods.  Sometimes it’s a physical problem, meaning that the structure and function of a child’s mouth muscles aren’t “normal.”  Sometimes it’s a behavioral problem, meaning that for whatever reason, a child has decided not to eat.  Sometimes it’s a combination of all of the above!!!  Regardless, these SLPs address the practical challenges associated with identifying and treating problems with feeding. 

The site is www.cheriandlaura.blogspot.com.   

You’ll find information on food chaining, a therapeutic approach to expand the diets of children with feeding disorders.  The SLPs also have written a couple of books outlining their assessment and treatment philosophies.  Since I specialize in language skills and am knee-deep in other projects, I have not read these yet, but plan to try to include these for my beach reading if I ever get to take a vacation this summer! 

The best book I have read for feeding ideas is called Just Take a Bite.  It’s written by Lori Ernsperger and Tania Stegen-Hanson.  The publisher’s website is www.FutureHorizons-autism.com.  

Another great feeding site is http://www.new-vis.com/.   

Give me feedback on these resources if you’d like! 

Laura