What Is the Feeding Clinic?

This clinic evaluates and develops feeding recommendations for a wide range of feeding problems presented by children with developmental disabilities or chronic illnesses. Feeding problems often result from complex and overlapping etiologies. Nutritional oral motor and behavioral concerns may adversely affect growth and speech development. Some examples of feeding problems include but are not limited to difficulty handling increased textures, presence of tongue thrust, bite reflex or other immature eating behaviors, difficulty with positioning and behavioral problems at mealtime.

Interdisciplinary Team Members May Include:

• Registered Dietitian
• Occupational Therapist
• Behavioral Psychologist  *(Consult from the Behavioral Pediatrics Department will be a separate charge and will be billed by that department.)
• Pediatric GI Specialist

When Is the Clinic Held, and What Happens on Clinic Day?

Feeding Clinic is held on Wednesday.  The team of professionals will ask questions of all those present and will observe your child eating. Often, families will bring the therapists that are already providing ongoing services to the clinic with them so the team can discuss concerns of the child with their providers.  Then, a plan will be devised from all those present and recommendations will be discussed.

To Prepare for Clinic Day:

• Please return all information and send a picture of your child. Send a food diary recording your child’s food and fluid intake for 3 days one week prior to clinic.  Staff will review the medical records, returned information and the food record prior to clinic.
• Send a copy of your insurance card(s) and contact your child’s Primary Care Physician to obtain a referral if necessary. 
• It is important to observe a feeding so please bring your child hungry.  Bring a meal/snack (foods and liquids) that your child typically eats at home and a food he/she typically rejects.  Part of the evaluation is observing your child eat.  We would like the eating session here to look very much like the eating sessions at home.  

Any questions prior to your clinic visit, contact Cathy Mangiaracina, Feeding Clinic Coordinator at 913.588.5744