When a child experiences feeding challenges, the impact often extends beyond mealtimes. Eating is closely linked to development, routines, family connection, and a child’s sense of safety. For many parents and carers, understanding what happens in a feeding therapy session can reduce uncertainty and help them feel more confident about seeking support.
At Holistic Me, feeding therapy sessions are designed to support skill development, sensory comfort, nutrition, and confidence in a structured but child-led way. If you want it more clinical, more reassuring, or more NDIS-focused, I can tweak the angle.
Feeding therapy is specialised support for children who experience difficulty with eating, drinking, or mealtime routines. Feeding challenges can present in many ways and may change as a child grows.
Feeding therapy for children may support those who:
Feeding therapy focuses on safety, comfort, and skill development rather than pressure or compliance.
Parents often ask what happens during a feeding therapy session and whether their child will be expected to eat unfamiliar foods. Sessions are structured but flexible, with a strong focus on observation and interaction.
A feeding therapy session typically includes guided activities that support skill building, sensory tolerance, and confidence. Children are supported at their own pace, with no expectation to eat or perform.
The first appointment is usually a feeding therapy assessment. This session focuses on understanding the child’s feeding history, current challenges, and strengths.
During a feeding therapy assessment, the therapist may:
This assessment informs personalised feeding therapy goals and strategies.
While every child’s feeding therapy plan is individual, sessions often follow a predictable and supportive structure.
A feeding therapy session may include:
Progress is supported through repetition, familiarity, and positive experiences.
Therapists use evidence-informed feeding therapy techniques tailored to each child’s needs.
Common feeding therapy techniques include:
Techniques are adapted continuously based on the child’s responses and comfort.
Paediatric feeding therapy considers feeding as part of a child’s overall development. Therapists look beyond food intake to understand physical, sensory, and emotional factors.
Considerations may include:
This whole-child approach supports sustainable progress.
Feeding therapy for toddlers focuses on early skill development and positive food experiences. Sessions may appear playful but are intentionally structured.
Support for young children may include:
Early feeding therapy can reduce longer-term feeding challenges.
Feeding therapy for picky eaters focuses on understanding why a child avoids certain foods rather than simply increasing intake.
Therapy may address:
Addressing underlying causes allows food variety to expand gradually.
Feeding therapy is most effective when families feel confident continuing strategies outside of sessions.
Therapists may support families by:
NDIS feeding therapy may be funded when feeding challenges relate to functional or developmental needs. Supports align with goals around independence, participation, and wellbeing.
NDIS-funded feeding therapy may include:
Early allied health intervention supports long-term functional outcomes.
Feeding therapy for disability recognises the interaction between feeding, sensory processing, and development.
Early intervention feeding therapy focuses on:
Therapy is adapted to each child’s abilities and communication style.
One child may begin by tolerating new foods on the table. Over time, touching, smelling, and exploring food becomes easier.
Another child may focus on oral motor skill development before introducing more complex textures.
These examples show how feeding therapy sessions are tailored to individual needs.
A feeding therapy session provides a supportive environment where children and families are guided with patience and practical expertise. With the right support, feeding can become more positive and connected over time.
If you are considering feeding therapy for your child, Holistic Me provides feeding therapy support delivered by experienced allied health professionals.
A feeding therapy session involves observation, play-based activities, and guided skill development tailored to the child’s needs.
Many feeding therapy sessions use play-based approaches to build comfort and trust around food.
Progress varies depending on the child’s needs and goals, with a focus on gradual and sustainable development.
Feeding therapy can support picky eaters by addressing sensory, emotional, or skill-based challenges.
Feeding therapy may be funded through NDIS when linked to functional or developmental needs.