Is your child unable to swallow the food properly? Is your child showing symptoms of a fussy eater? If you are seeing your child showing these symptoms on a regular basis, it might be the reason he or she is suffering from a medical condition known as Dysphagia. This type of disorder can make it greatly difficult for children to eat, drink, or swallow food properly. In this situation, pediatric feeding therapy can provide support and intervention so your child learns how to establish healthy eating habits and overcome these problems.
The three crucial signs that a parent should watch out for in their kid are:
Frequent coughing or choking during meals: If your child frequently coughs or chokes while eating and drinking, then there could be an undetected problem in the swallowing mechanism.
Avoidance of specific textures: If a child regularly avoids certain textures of food—maybe everything crunchy or chewy, for instance then there might be some kind of sensory processing issue related to eating.
Prolonged mealtimes or becoming too tired during meals: If your child is taking an unusual amount of time while eating or seems overly tired during meals, then this could be a sign that they have difficulty in coordinating the proper balance of muscles that are fidgeting, chewing, and swallowing simultaneously.
How Does Pediatric Therapy Help in Overcoming These Signs?
Pediatric feeding therapy can help a child to overcome eating difficulties using individual strategies. Some of these techniques, which occupational therapists may use, include oral-motor exercises that help build up the muscles used for chewing and swallowing, sensory integration therapy for easing different food textures, and behavioral interventions that help foster positive eating. These therapies are individualized to promote safe and effective eating without frustration on the part of the child and stress on the part of the parent.
Conclusion
It can make a lot of difference if you can recognize these cues at a very early stage and engage your child in comprehensive pediatric feeding therapy. With support from expert doctors, occupational therapists, and staff, your child will overcome any feeding difficulties and be assured of all the nutrients necessary for proper growth.
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