Feeding Therapy Checklist

How would I know if my child needs feeding therapy?

Parents may consider feeding therapy if they notice difficulties with eating, swallowing, or drinking. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Difficulty breastfeeding (for infants)

• Arching or stiffening the body during feeding

• Irritability or lack of alertness while feeding

• Refusing food or liquids

• Difficulty accepting different food textures

• Prolonged feeding times (e.g., more than 30 minutes)

• Difficulty chewing

• Coughing or gagging during meals

• Excessive drooling or food/liquid coming out of the mouth or nose

• Difficulty coordinating breathing with eating and drinking

• Increased nasal or chest congestion during meals

• Gurgly, hoarse, or breathy voice quality

• Frequent spitting up or vomiting

• Recurring pneumonia or respiratory infections

• Lower than expected weight gain or growth