Feeding Therapy: Helping Children With Feeding Difficulties Thrive

Mealtimes should be enjoyable, but for many families they’re a daily challenge. Research suggests that between 20-45% of typically developing children and up to 80% of children with developmental differences experience some form of feeding difficulty. These can range from fussy eating and gagging on certain textures to chewing, swallowing, or sensory issues around food.

At Write2Talk, we’ve seen a steady rise in young children presenting with feeding challenges and, too often, there’s little local support available. That’s why we’ve invested in specialist training with The Feeding Trust, leaders in paediatric feeding therapy. Their evidence-based approach is helping us expand the services we offer.

What Are Feeding Difficulties?

Feeding difficulties may include:

• Limited food variety or extreme “picky eating”
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing safely
• Sensory aversions to textures, smells, or temperatures
• Anxiety or distress around mealtimes
  
  

They often occur alongside conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing differences, or oral motor delays.

How Feeding Therapy Helps
Feeding therapy is more than just encouraging children to “try a bite.” It’s a structured process that considers:

• Oral motor skills for chewing and swallowing
• Sensory processing of food textures and flavours
• Emotional and behavioural responses to eating
  
  

With expert support, families can learn how to:

• Make mealtimes calmer and less stressful
  
• Support safe swallowing and chewing
  
• Gradually increase food variety in a way that feels safe for the child
  
  

At Write2Talk, we combine this knowledge with our broader expertise in speech, language, and oromyofunctional therapy, helping children develop the strength and coordination needed for successful feeding.