Feeding Therapy

Supportive, play-based feeding therapy using the principles of the SOS Approach to Feeding

Feeding difficulties can affect children and families in many different ways. A child may eat only a small range of foods, avoid particular textures, become distressed around meals or find it difficult to explore unfamiliar foods.

Feeding therapy with Naomi provides a structured, supportive environment where children can learn about food at their own pace. Sessions focus on building comfort, curiosity and confidence without pressure or forcing a child to eat.

Progress may begin with feeling comfortable near a food, looking at it, touching it, smelling it or interacting with it through play before tasting becomes possible.

Who may benefit from feeding therapy?

Feeding therapy may be helpful for children who:
 

• Eat a very limited range of foods 
• Avoid entire food groups, textures, colours or temperatures 
• Become distressed when unfamiliar foods are presented 
• Refuse foods they previously accepted 
• Have difficulty remaining at the table 
• Experience strong sensory responses to smells, textures or appearance 
• Feel anxious around meals or food-related situations 
• Find it difficult to interact with, taste or accept new foods 
• Require specific preparation, presentation or brands 
• Experience mealtimes as stressful or overwhelming

Feeding difficulties can have sensory, developmental, medical, oral-motor or emotional contributors. Families may be asked to seek medical or allied health assessment when concerns fall outside Naomi’s scope of practice.

A supportive, no-pressure approach

Naomi uses the principles of the SOS Approach to Feeding, which considers the whole child and recognises that eating involves many different skills.
Children are supported through gradual steps of interacting with food. Depending on the child, progress may include:
 

• Tolerating a food in the room 
• Being comfortable with food on the table 
• Looking at and learning about food 
• Touching or preparing food 
• Smelling food 
• Bringing food close to the face or mouth 
• Tasting when the child feels ready 
• Gradually expanding the range of accepted foods

Children are never forced to eat. Progress is supported through predictable routines, play, repetition and positive experiences with food. The aim is to reduce distress and build the skills and confidence needed for meaningful, sustainable progress.

What feeding therapy involves
 

Feeding therapy is delivered through weekly 45-minute sessions. A minimum commitment of 10 sessions is required because children need consistency, repetition and time to build trust and confidence around food.
 

Sessions are completed with the child and therapist. Parents and caregivers wait outside the therapy space, allowing the child to develop an independent relationship with the session routine and therapist.
 

Foods, drinks and therapy activities are planned and supplied by Naomi. Families must provide complete information about allergies, intolerances, medical conditions and dietary requirements before therapy begins.
 

Naomi provides families with relevant updates and recommendations to support consistency outside sessions. Families may also be asked to share information about accepted foods, mealtime routines and current concerns.
 

Feeding therapy is individualised. Progress will look different for every child and cannot be measured only by the number of new foods eaten. Increased comfort, interaction, flexibility and reduced distress are also meaningful outcomes.

Before your child begins

Before the first session, families will complete intake information about their child’s:
 

• Current accepted foods and drinks 
• Food allergies and intolerances 
• Medical conditions and medications 
• Growth or nutritional concerns 
• Chewing or swallowing difficulties 
• Sensory preferences 
• Mealtime routines and behaviours 
• Previous feeding assessments or therapy 
• Family priorities and goals

Feeding therapy is not a substitute for medical, dietetic, speech pathology or swallowing assessment. If there are concerns about choking, swallowing safety, significant weight loss, nutritional deficiency, pain, gastrointestinal symptoms or growth, families may be asked to consult an appropriate health professional before therapy begins or alongside sessions.

Providing complete and accurate health and allergy information is essential for your child’s safety.

What families say

“Our experience with Naomi at Future Proof Early Intervention has been life-changing for our son. Naomi’s calm, empathetic approach and understanding have helped him develop independence and expand his food choices. Mealtimes are now more enjoyable, with our son trying new foods and eating with us as a family. We are so grateful for her expertise and care.”
— Parent of a feeding therapy client

Ready to discuss feeding therapy?

Complete the enquiry form and tell us about your child’s current foods, feeding concerns, allergies and previous supports. Naomi will contact you to discuss suitability, availability, fees and the next steps.