What Is Dysphagia and Feeding Therapy? A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Dysphagia and Feeding Therapy: What Is It?
If your child or loved one struggles with eating, chewing, or swallowing, you might have heard the term dysphagia. But what exactly is it, and how does feeding therapy help?
In this post, we’ll break down what dysphagia means, how feeding therapy is used in speech-language pathology, and what you can expect from treatment.
What Is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can involve trouble with any part of the swallowing process — from chewing food to moving it safely down the throat. Dysphagia can occur in people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.
Common signs of dysphagia include:
Coughing or choking during meals
Wet-sounding voice after eating or drinking
Avoiding certain textures or foods
Long mealtimes or fatigue while eating
Frequent pneumonia or respiratory infections
In children, dysphagia can also present as:
Failure to gain weight
Excessive drooling
Pocketing food in the cheeks
Gagging or vomiting during meals
What Is Feeding Therapy?
Feeding therapy is a form of treatment provided by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or occupational therapist (OT) who specializes in oral motor and sensory feeding challenges.
Feeding therapy is not just about getting kids to eat more. It’s about addressing the underlying skills that make eating safe, efficient, and enjoyable. This can include:
Oral motor development (strength and coordination of lips, tongue, jaw)
Sensory aversions to textures or temperatures
Behavioral components related to feeding routines
Safety strategies for swallowing and preventing aspiration
How Does Feeding Therapy Help?
Feeding therapy helps improve:
Oral motor skills: Helping children develop the strength and coordination needed to chew and swallow.
Safety while eating: Reducing the risk of choking or aspiration.
Nutrition: Expanding diet variety to ensure adequate growth and health.
Independence: Building positive mealtime habits and routines.
It can be life-changing — both for families and for the individual receiving care.
Learn more about pediatric speech therapy services at APA Speech.
What to Expect in Feeding Therapy
An SLP or OT will start with an evaluation that includes:
A review of medical history
Observation of eating behaviors
Oral-motor assessment
Possibly a Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) or Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), if recommended by your medical provider
Treatment is individualized and may include:
Exercises to improve oral strength and coordination
Gradual exposure to new textures
Adaptive utensils or positioning strategies
Family training and home practice
Therapists often work as part of a multidisciplinary team with pediatricians, gastroenterologists, dietitians, and ENTs.
The Role of Culture in Feeding Therapy
Understanding the social and cultural significance of food is a vital part of any feeding intervention. As Dr. Prewitt highlights in this article, elevating the narrative of food beyond nutrition helps us create more inclusive and meaningful therapy. Food is connection, tradition, and identity — and therapy should reflect that.
When to Seek Help
If you notice signs of dysphagia or feeding difficulties, early intervention is key. Don’t wait — even mild challenges can impact growth, learning, and quality of life.
Reach out to a licensed speech-language pathologist for an evaluation. Many clinics, including APA Speech Therapy, offer virtual consultations to help you get started.
Dysphagia and feeding therapy may sound overwhelming at first, but with the right support, progress is possible. Whether your child is a picky eater or someone you love has trouble swallowing safely, therapy can improve comfort, nutrition, and confidence at the table.
If you're curious about how therapy can help your family, contact APA Speech Therapy today!