Feeding Support
Helping children and families develop positive experiences around food
Feeding difficulties can be challenging for children and their families. Difficulties with eating and drinking can affect mealtimes, routines, family life and a child's wellbeing.
Our feeding support is designed to help families understand the reasons behind their child's feeding difficulties and develop practical strategies that are appropriate for their individual needs.
We take a child-centred and individualised approach, considering factors such as sensory needs, development, communication and emotional wellbeing.
How can we help?
We can support children and families experiencing a range of feeding difficulties, including:
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Very limited food choices
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Food refusal
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Difficulties with textures or tastes
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Sensory-related feeding difficulties
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Anxiety around eating
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Avoidant and restrictive eating
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Difficulties associated with autism or other developmental needs
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Challenges with mealtimes and eating routines
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Support around transitioning from tube feeding to oral eating, where appropriate
Our approach
Every child's feeding difficulties are different, so we take time to understand the individual child and their family.
We consider what a child eats, how they eat and what may be making eating difficult for them.
Our support may include assessment, advice, practical strategies and guidance for parents and carers.
Where appropriate, we can also work alongside other professionals involved in the child's care to provide joined-up support.
Supporting families
Feeding difficulties can have an impact on the whole family.
We work with parents and carers to help them understand their child's needs and feel more confident supporting them at home.
Our aim is to make mealtimes feel more manageable, positive and supportive, while helping children develop their relationship with food at a pace that is right for them.
Support for children with autism
Children with autism may experience particular challenges around eating and drinking, including sensory sensitivities, preferences for particular foods or difficulties with changes in routine.
We can help families understand these challenges and explore strategies that take the child's individual sensory, developmental and communication needs into account.
Find out more
If you're concerned about your child's eating or feeding, our team can talk to you about your concerns and help you understand what support may be appropriate.