Feeding Therapy

Feeding Therapy

Parents and caregivers of children who struggle with eating often face a complex and frustrating challenge. Feeding difficulties can stem from a range of factors—oral motor skills, sensory sensitivities, postural control, or mealtime behaviours—making it difficult to pinpoint a single solution. Because feeding is such a multifaceted process, it requires comprehensive assessment and a personalised therapy plan.

At Eastern Therapy Hub, our Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists specialise in:

• Responsive Feeding Therapy

• The SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to Feeding

• Oral Motor Sensory Training

• Motor development and adaptive strategies for self-feeding

Our approach focuses not only on a child’s relationship with food, but also on the practical skills and supports that make mealtimes more successful.

What We Address in Feeding Therapy

• Oral motor skills – chewing, tongue movement, lip closure, and swallowing safety.

• Self-feeding skills – using cutlery, finger foods, and progressing independence at mealtimes.

• Seating and positioning – ensuring postural stability with chairs, footrests, or supportive seating to make eating physically easier and safer.

• Adaptive tools – specialised cutlery, cups, plates, or straws to increase success and reduce frustration.

• Mealtime behaviours and environment – structuring routines, reducing distractions, and creating a calm, positive space for eating.

• Sensory challenges – managing aversion to certain textures, smells, or temperatures.

These evidence-based strategies are designed to meet each child where they are, supporting both skill development and positive experiences at mealtimes.

Feeding Therapy May Help If Your Child:

• Is a fussy or selective eater.

• Experiences poor weight gain.

• Spits out food, vomits, gags, or has food/drink coming out of their nose while eating.

• Faces frequent mealtime battles.

• Struggles to transition from purees to solids by 12 months.

• Has not weaned off baby foods by 18 months.

• Avoids or shows strong aversions to certain textures or nutrition groups.

• Does not eat the same meals as the rest of the family.

• Has meltdowns or cries during mealtimes.

• Eats a very limited or restricted range of foods (fewer than 20).

Our Goal

With our expertise, we aim to help your child develop the motor, sensory, and behavioural skills needed for safe and enjoyable eating. We also work closely with families to make mealtimes less stressful and more positive, building a healthier relationship with food for everyone at the table.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Feeding Therapy at Eastern Therapy Hub, we encourage you to get in touch with our friendly team. We offer individual sessions and tailored interventions to meet the unique needs of each child.

Call us today on 03 9599 2777 or use our Make a Booking form above to schedule your first appointment.

At Eastern Therapy Hub, we are committed to helping children and families build confidence, connection, and joy around mealtimes.