

We target oral motor skills in both occupational and speech therapy because they are important for proper speaking and feeding. Top Five Ways We Use Smartphones at FOCUS Therapy Fort Myers But our FOCUS occupational, behavioral and speech therapists are embracing the many ways this technology has become a key tool in achieving occupational, behavior and speech therapy goals. Limits on screen time are important – necessary even (and, let’s be honest, not just for kids). There is no getting around the fact these small, glowing boxes are an integral part of our daily lives, with approximately 92 million smartphones in the U.S. In speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy and sometimes even physical therapy, we’ve found at FOCUS Fort Myers that smartphones can have some pretty amazing applications – and we’re discovering new uses all the time! (We LOVE when parents share their own ideas too!) Researchers have linked excess screen time to speech delays, stunted socialization and repetitive motion “ tech ache.” BUT – it’s not all bad. Our team of professionals, led by a top speech-language pathologist, provides many services for children in Chicago, including ABA therapy, feeding therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.Smartphones in the hands of little ones is generally frowned upon, and usually for good reason.

The therapist might also encourage the child to smell new foods, if they experience sensory issues with certain smells or flavors.ĭo you feel your child could benefit from feeding therapy in a therapeutic preschool program?Ĭlick the purple button below or call 77 to contact CST Academy and learn more about Chicago’s top therapeutic preschool program. This might include playing with or touching food with new textures to become more comfortable with these foods. If a child experiences sensory issues in the form of food sensitivities, the therapist might work with the child to try foods with different textures to improve their sensory information. One technique is using a Z-Vibes spoon during snack time. In a therapeutic preschool program, feeding therapy can be customized, as every child is a unique learner. What are some techniques for feeding therapy?


Feeding therapy might occur at a designated time in the school day, such as during snack time. How is feeding therapy used in a therapeutic preschool program?įeeding therapy can be incorporated into therapeutic preschool programs for children who experience challenges with eating, due to a feeding and/or swallowing disorder. A therapeutic preschool program may have a SLP on staff who is able to provide these services. This way there is consistency with feeding strategies and the child receives additional practice. A SLP can also provide parents with helpful feeding strategies that can be used at home. If a child is hypersensitive to sensory input from textures, flavors, or smells, they may have challenges eating certain foods.įeeding therapy is often provided by SLPs, as they receive extensive training in feeding and swallowing. A therapeutic preschool program may also be a beneficial option for children who are not yet in kindergarten.Ĭhildren who experience challenges with sensory processing integration, as a result of autism or a related disorder, may also require additional support with feeding. In these cases, the pediatrician will likely provide a referral for a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The pediatrician will be able to run tests and assess whether the child has a disorder causing these challenges. You may also hear a swallowing disorder referred to as “dysphagia.” When a child experiences issues with feeding and swallowing, parents should present their concerns and symptoms to the pediatrician.
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If a child experiences a feeding or swallowing disorder, they may be referred to a professional who can provide feeding therapy.įeeding therapy is used for children who have a feeding or swallowing disorder. Some of the areas that a therapeutic preschool program will focus on are ABA therapy, feeding therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. While a typical preschool curriculum is created with typically developing children in mind, a therapeutic preschool program provides additional support for pivotal developmental skills. Not every child benefits from the structure of a typical preschool program, especially if they experience autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental delays.
