Feeding therapy for toddler

Does anyone have a child (3 or older) who is getting food therapy?

My DS is really opositional when it comes to new foods. I wrote in yesterday that he still gags when he eats certain things. There are also many things that he's just unwilling to try (even just look at).

I've been doing searches but don't know if this is an OT problem to check on first or if you can go through NYS agencies (early intervention).

Any thoughts?

TIA

Re: Feeding therapy for toddler

If he's over age 3 he's no longer under early intervention --- now he's in CPSE through your school district. He'll probably be evaluated by an OT and a speech therapist, possibly a psych and special educator if they believe it may be behavioral. All of the above should be able to ehlp you with feeding strategies and ways to introduce new foods. Does he have any other sensory issues, any aversions?
What district are you in? I could recommend a few agencies.

Re: Feeding therapy for toddler

Oh my goodness...thank you. You are a lifesaver!
I really had no idea where to start. We are in the Baldwin school district.

If you have some agencies..I'd love the info. (you can fm me if you'd like) Also, do you know if they would be "pay out of pocket" or does insurance cover cost?

DS will freak out if new food is put on his plate. He refuses to even look at new foods (or he'll flat out say, "no thank you"). If he does "try" something - get it towards his mouth, he puts it too his lips and says, "I don't like this".

We thought he had tactile issues too but they seem to be going away (for ex. he'll play w/playdoh but won't touch a noodle).

Re: Feeding therapy for toddler

he'd be under cpse at 3. i'd ask your ped. for recommendations. personally i like speech therapists more than ot's for feeding therapy (they have different views and stratagies.)
i pay out of pocket for an slp to work with my 14 month old for feeding issues (behavioral, sensory, hyper gag reflex, vomitting, and reflux are our issues.) it is beyond frustrating, good luck!

Message edited 7/18/2008 10:37:49 PM.

Re: Feeding therapy for toddler

NYU has a great feeding program. A friend of mine has a son that refused to eat anything that wasn't in a soup. Now 9 years later, he is much better!