Paediatric Feeding Assessments

Are you having difficulties getting your small child to safely eat foods you would normally expect them to be able to eat?  Families and professionals are now able to refer children to Louise Moon here at Talking Matters for assessment and intervention with feeding difficulties. 

Why see a speech pathologist for help with feeding?

Speech pathologists are the specialists trained  in assessing, diagnosing and treating feeding difficulties.   You can count on us to use our knowledge of the muscles, nerves and processes that need to occur for successful chewing and swallowing.  With the right advice, support and equipment your child can be on the way to being a better feeder.

Feeding difficulties take many forms but these are some signs a consultation may be needed

• Drooling or spilling food from the mouth when eating or drinking.
• Difficulties chewing or moving food around in the mouth.
• Difficulty transitioning from purees, to soft lumps, to foods requiring chewing, or refusal of solids.
• Lengthy or tedious mealtimes.
• Coughing or choking when eating.

Initial assessments

An initial assessment is required to allow the speech pathologist to gather information and observe your child eating.  This allows us to plan the best support  and feeding program for your child.  Feeding assessments are conducted at the Talking Matters office and usually take 1 hour.  Please fill in this feeding questionnaire (pdf) and bring it with you on the day of your appointment

Before you come for your first appointment you will be asked to  organize a specific range of foods and drinks  to bring along to the assessment.  The food will vary depending on the age of the child but will generally include a range of textures.  Please download this list of food to bring with you (pdf), and bring them along with you to the assessment.

 What will happen in the assessment session at the office?

When you come along to your first appointment the following things will happen:

• You will have the chance to explain your concerns and the speech pathologist will ask you some questions about your child.
• Your child will be observed whilst they eat the food that the speech pathologist requested you bring along to the appointment.
• The speech pathologist will talk to you about what she has observed, her recommendations and outline a proposed plan. 
• Together parents and the therapist will decide what follow up is needed.
• Approximately 2 weeks later you will be provided with a summary of findings and  recommendations.

By helping your child with feeding difficulties to overcome them, you  ensure:

•  Your child gets the best range of healthy foods to support their development and long term health.
•  A less stressful mealtime experience for the whole family.
•  Reduced chance of developing speech sound difficulties that are often observed in children with feeding issues.
•  Increased development in other areas such as sensory perception , fine motor skills and independence.
•  More time and energy to enjoy your child as they grow up.

This pediatric feeding handout (pdf) provides further information.  It is easy to make an appointment as no doctor's referral is necessary. Just call our office on Ph 8255 7137 and our friendly receptionist will assist you. 

Adult Swallowing Assessments

If you are an adult experiencing difficulties with eating or swallowing your food, Talking Matters now offers a service to help you.  If you wish to organise an assessment and ongoing support if needed, simply contact the Talking Matters offices on Ph (08) 8255 7137 and request a swallowing assessment with Keira Campbell.

Why see a speech pathologist for help with swallowing?

Speech pathologists are trained professionals able to provide you with assistance in this specialised area.   You should consider an assessment if you, or someone you care about has any of the following difficulties related to their eating

• Coughing or choking sensations when eating
• Regurgitation of foods
• Difficulties comfortably managing foods of varying consistencies
• Spilling of food from the mouth while eating
• Difficulties chewing and moving food around in the mouth

Assessments

Assessments can be conducted in our offices, however are typically conducted at  the client's place of residence.  At the appointment the following things will usually happen

• You will explain your concerns to the speech pathologist and she may ask you further questions
• The client will be observed eating a range of foods that you have been requested to provide (the speech pathologist may bring some also)
• Your speech pathologist will talk to you about what she has observed and make some recommendations
• Your speech pathologist will then provide you with some written information about her recommendations and together you will decide if further follow up is needed. 

This Adult Swallowing pamphlet provides more information about this new service and the fee structures.

What are the benefits of having a swallowing assessment?

• You are able to enjoy food and drinks in a safe and comforable manner
• A less stressful mealtime for you and the people who care for you
• Reduced change of developing additional medical difficulties associated with swallowing problems
• Decreased anxiety surrounding mealtimes and food
• Increased chances of maintaining an independent lifestyle.

It's easy to take action and start on the road to a happier mealtime and life.  Just call us on Ph 8255 7137 and make an appointment to see Keira.