Pediatric Feeding Therapy
in San Diego, CA
We Help Children Develop Healthy Eating Habits
Mealtimes can be a wonderful opportunity for connection, growth, and independence. But for many children, eating is not easy. Although many people may tell you that “all kids are picky eaters,” the reasons behind your child’s pickiness may be due to specific developmental challenges.
At SmallTalk, we understand how stressful feeding challenges can be for parents, and we’re here to help. Whether your child is a picky eater, has difficulty chewing or swallowing, or has sensory aversions to certain textures, our experienced therapists can help them overcome their mealtime challenges and build a positive relationship with food.
What Is Feeding Therapy?
Feeding therapy helps children who have difficulty eating or drinking due to medical, sensory, motor, or behavioral challenges. At SmallTalk, feeding therapy is guided by our experienced occupational therapists who specialize in pediatric feeding and swallowing.
We work on improving oral motor skills and sensory processing skills in a happy, positive way to help children learn about and explore new foods. We use evidence-based techniques to help your child eat more effectively and comfortably at their own pace. We also collaborate with parents on ways to implement effective strategies into mealtimes at home.
Who Can Benefit from Feeding Therapy?
Feeding therapy can help children who face a wide range of challenges related to eating and drinking. We support children with:
• Limited food variety or extreme picky eating
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing safely
• Food or texture aversions
• Delayed oral motor skills
• Mealtime tantrums or behavioral challenges around eating
• Gagging, coughing, or choking during meals
• Failure to thrive or poor weight gain
• Feeding difficulties related to medical conditions
If your child has a feeding concern that isn’t listed here, reach out. We may still be able to help.
What Does Feeding Therapy Look Like?
At SmallTalk, feeding therapy is designed to be fun, relaxed, and pressure-free. We meet your child where they are, using play and gentle guidance to build their confidence. Our therapists can help your child learn to tolerate a new texture, improve their tongue movement, and more. Plus, we make each small success feel like a big win!
Learning through play extends to feeding therapy! Whether it’s imitating silly faces in the mirror, balancing foods on our tongues, or conducting food science experiments, feeding therapy at SmallTalk makes developing the sensory and motor skills needed for a healthy diet fun and engaging. By combining purposeful play with a strong family collaborative approach, your therapist will tailor a plan that fits you and your family.
What Can Your Child Learn in Feeding Therapy?
Feeding therapy helps children gain the skills they need to eat safely and happily. Depending on your child’s needs, we may work on:
• Tolerating new foods and textures
• Chewing and swallowing more effectively
• Strengthening oral motor skills
• Drinking from a straw or open cup
• Self-feeding with fingers or utensils
• Reducing gagging or food refusal
• Developing positive mealtime routines
Why Choose SmallTalk?
At SmallTalk, we help children throughout San Diego achieve their greatest potential. We believe mealtimes should feel safe and fun. Our therapists take time to truly connect with each child and create a space where they feel comfortable exploring new foods and building new skills at their own pace.
We use playful, research-backed methods to make therapy approachable and effective. From picky eaters to children with complex medical or sensory needs, we create a personalized plan that builds their skills and confidence one bite at a time.
How We Partner with Families
At SmallTalk, we know that feeding success doesn’t stop when your child’s therapy session is over. In fact, it works best when parents and caregivers actively participate at our clinic and at home. That’s why we invite you to be part of your child’s treatment, to gain the knowledge you need to support your child.
We encourage families to observe sessions, learn helpful techniques, and try them out alongside your child. The more practice your child gets, both at home and during their therapy sessions, the faster you’ll see progress.
Every family has different needs, which is why we personalize parent education to fit your family’s lifestyle and schedule. Your child’s therapist will give you practical tips, strategies to try at home, and clear updates on your child’s progress because we know that when families feel confident and empowered, kids thrive!
Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Therapy
Ready to Take the First Step?
If your child is struggling with feeding, now is the best time to reach out. Getting started early can make a big difference. The sooner we work together, the more confidence and progress your child can gain at mealtimes.
Call us today at (619) 647-6157 or fill out our contact form below to schedule your child’s feeding therapy evaluation. Let’s help your child build a healthy, happy relationship with food, one bite at a time!