Feeding Therapy
Feeding Therapy helps children turn challenging mealtimes into predictable, low-stress routines. We broaden food variety, strengthen oral-motor skills, and support healthy eating habits using gentle, play-based strategies. When services are authorized by a school district/DOE or through New York State Early Intervention (birth–3), they are provided at no cost to eligible families. Many insurance plans also cover feeding services.
Transforming Mealtimes with Confidence and Care
Feeding therapy addresses the full picture of eating—sensory needs, oral-motor skills, and mealtime behavior—so children can eat more comfortably and confidently. At Knowledge Road, licensed pediatric clinicians (SLPs/OTs) focus on ages 0–3 through Early Intervention and work closely with caregivers to weave practical strategies into daily routines.
Sessions are playful, low-pressure, and tailored to each child's profile. We use gentle oral-motor practice, sensory exploration, and structured mealtime routines to support steady progress that families can maintain at home.
With this service, we provide:
- One-on-one sessions with a licensed pediatric clinician trained in feeding
- Individualized treatment plans based on a comprehensive evaluation
- Play-based, low-pressure exposure to new foods and textures
- Targeted skill-building to improve:
- Chewing, swallowing, and tongue control
- Jaw and lip coordination
- Comfort with textures, tastes, and temperatures
- Predictable, structured mealtime routines
- Family coaching and home-practice guides
- Collaboration with caregivers, schools, and other providers
This service is designed to:
- Expand accepted foods and textures
- Improve oral-motor control for safer swallowing
- Reduce mealtime stress and increase engagement
- Build independence during snacks and meals
Why This Service Matters
Early, targeted support can prevent feeding challenges from affecting growth, safety, and family routines. By keeping therapy calm and collaborative, children gain the skills—and confidence—to enjoy mealtimes and try new foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is feeding therapy for young children?
It's therapy that supports eating, drinking, and swallowing by building oral-motor skills, easing sensory sensitivities, and encouraging positive mealtime behaviors. Our family-centered approach helps expand each child's food repertoire in a calm, encouraging way.
How do you address picky eating vs. feeding disorders?
We complete thorough evaluations—covering oral-motor function, sensory processing, and mealtime behavior—to distinguish typical selectivity from more complex feeding challenges. Results guide targeted interventions that address root causes.
What should I expect from a session?
Sessions usually last 30–45 minutes and include playful oral-motor practice, sensory exploration, and structured mealtime routines. Caregivers receive hands-on coaching, home-practice guides, and regular progress updates, including simple meal-planning ideas.
Service Overview
Infants and toddlers (ages 0–3); Early Intervention eligible
In-home, in-school, community-based, or in our child-friendly clinic
Typically 30–45 minutes per session; frequency guided by evaluation and goals.
At no cost to eligible families when authorized through DOE-approved and NYS DOH programs; insurance accepted.
What Families Receive
- Customized feeding plan with clear goals
- Progress updates and milestone tracking
- Home-practice guides and simple meal ideas
- Access to licensed pediatric clinicians
- Coordination with OT, PT, and Speech services when needed
Who This Is For
Children with limited food variety, frequent gagging, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or high stress during meals—and families seeking calm, structured, and positive mealtime routines.
Request ServicesReady to Transform Mealtimes?
Contact us to learn how Feeding Therapy can help your child eat with confidence, explore new foods, and enjoy calmer mealtimes at home.