Feeding Therapy Checklist

How would I know if my child needs feeding therapy?

The following are signs and symptoms of feeding and swallowing problems in children:

• difficulty breast feeding (for very young children)

• arching or stiffening of the body during feeding

• irritability or lack of alertness during feeding

• refusing food or liquid

• failure to accept different textures of food 

• long 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 stuffiness during meals

• gurgly, hoarse, or breathy voice quality

• frequent spitting up or vomiting

• recurring pneumonia or respiratory infections

• less than normal weight gain or growth