Fussy Feeding

Fussy Feeding
Speech pathologists play an important role in addressing fussy feeding in children. Our supports extend beyond speech and language to include feeding and eating skills. Feeding is an area of development that can be supported by a number of other health professionals, so we may work as part of a multidisciplinary team to best support your child.
We will first assess your child’s feeding abilities to identify any underlying issues. This includes evaluating the oral motor skills, and monitoring sensory responses, and behavioural aspects of feeding.
Treatment and Intervention may involve:
- Behavioural Strategies: behaviourally based techniques to encourage positive eating habits. This might involve creating structured mealtime routines and using positive reinforcement.
- Working with your child’s Occupational Therapist for Sensory Integration techniques: For children with sensory processing difficulties, we work with your child’s OT on introducing different textures, tastes, colours and temperatures of food.
- Oral Motor skill development: supporting oral motor skills (strengthening the muscles involved in chewing or eating) to improve your child’s ability to handle different types of food (such as crunchy and chewy solid foods).
- Parent Education and Support: providing guidance to you on how to support your child’s feeding development at home. This includes strategies for introducing new foods and managing mealtime behaviors.
Collaboration with Other Professionals
As speech pathologists, we often work as part of a wider team, collaborating with occupational therapists, dietitians, and paediatricians when appropriate, to provide appropriate support. This team approach ensures that all aspects of your child’s feeding difficulties are addressed.
By addressing both the physical and behavioural aspects of feeding, we can help children develop a healthy relationship with food, making mealtimes more enjoyable for the whole family.
Contact us if you’d like support with your child’s feeding skills.
Funding
At Kids and Cubs Clinic we accept the following funding options:

NDIS
- Self-managed funding
- Plan-managed funding

Private Health Insurance
- Please consult your private health provider to determine eligibility and rebate amounts.

Medicare
- Chronic Disease Management plan (previously known as Enhanced Primary Care plan)
- Please discuss Medicare funding options with your GP