Are mealtimes stressful or limited to only a few “safe” foods?
You’re not alone—and there’s gentle, evidence-based help available in Perth.
At Perth Speech Therapy, we support children who struggle with sensitivity to foods, anxiety at meals, limited variety, or oral-motor challenges. Our approach is family-centred and low-pressure so your child can build confidence with food—one step at a time.
What are feeding difficulties?
Feeding difficulties look different for every child. Common signs include:
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Very limited range of accepted foods or extreme pickiness
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Avoiding certain textures or food groups
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Gagging or distress with smells, tastes or touch
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Oral-motor or swallowing challenges
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High anxiety or conflict at mealtimes
When challenges persist, they may indicate a Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD). PFD can involve medical, nutritional, feeding-skill and/or psychosocial factors and is more common alongside Autism Spectrum Disorder, ARFID, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome.
If this sounds familiar, an early feeding assessment can make a big difference.
Why feeding matters (beyond nutrition)
Feeding supports growth, brain development, and family connection. While most children sense hunger and fullness, they still benefit from support to build variety and positive mealtime habits. Our goal is to make meals calm, predictable, and low-pressure for everyone at the table.
Our approach: Responsive, relationship-based feeding therapy
We use a responsive, family-centred model that honours your child’s cues and autonomy.
What this looks like:
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Respecting hunger/fullness cues
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Encouraging food exploration without pressure
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Predictable routines and exposure to variety
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Coaching parents on calm language and mealtime structure
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Collaboration with OTs, dietitians, GPs, psychologists and ENT specialists when needed
This approach helps children feel safe, curious, and ready to try new foods—at their pace.
What to expect in therapy
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Comprehensive assessment of eating and drinking skills
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Play-based strategies to explore new textures, colours and food types
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Sensory and oral-motor support
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Practical home plans and mealtime scripts to reduce battles
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Recommendations for supportive utensils or texture modifications (if needed)
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Ongoing teamwork with parents/caregivers so progress continues between sessions
When to seek help
Consider a feeding assessment if you notice:
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Ongoing stress at meals or refusal that lasts beyond a short phase
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Reliance on very limited foods
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Gagging, coughing or concerns about safety when eating/drinking
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Weight concerns or nutritional gaps
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Anxiety that makes family meals difficult
Early support can prevent long-term stress and help your child expand their diet sooner.
Feeding Therapy FAQs — Perth Speech Therapy
How many sessions will we need?
It varies by child and goals. Many families see progress as home routines change. We’ll tailor frequency to your needs.
Do you see families near Alfred Cove?
Yes—our Perth service supports families in Alfred Cove, Applecross, Melville, Attadale, Bicton, and surrounding suburbs (≈20 km radius).
1) What are signs my child may need feeding therapy?
Persistent pickiness, distress at meals, avoiding textures/food groups, gagging with smells/touch, or concerns about safety, growth, or nutrition.
2) What’s the difference between picky eating and Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD)?
Picky eating is common and short-lived. PFD persists and affects medical/nutritional status, feeding skills, and/or psychosocial functioning.
3) Do you work with ARFID and autism?
Yes. We support ARFID and children with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and other developmental conditions within a gentle, low-pressure framework.
4) Will my child be forced to eat?
No. We use responsive feeding therapy—respecting hunger/fullness cues, encouraging exploration without pressure.
5) What happens at the first assessment?
History and mealtime review, observation of eating/drinking skills, screening of sensory/oral-motor factors, goal setting, and a clear home plan.
6) How many sessions will we need?
It varies by goals and responsiveness. Many families notice progress as home routines change; we’ll tailor the frequency with you.
7) Do you collaborate with other professionals?
Absolutely. We coordinate with OTs, dietitians, GPs, psychologists, ENT specialists when helpful.
8) Do you offer telehealth?
Yes—telehealth is available for parent coaching and follow-ups when appropriate.
9) Do I need a referral? Are rebates/NDIS available?
A referral isn’t required. We can advise on Medicare, private health, and NDIS (self- and plan-managed) options.
10) What can we do before our first appointment?
Keep a 3–7 day food/mealtime diary; list preferred/avoided foods; bring regular cups/utensils and a safe “preferred” snack.
11) Which areas do you serve?
Perth metro with a focus on Alfred Cove, Applecross, Melville, Attadale, Bicton and nearby suburbs (~20 km radius).
12) When should we seek urgent medical advice?
If you notice choking, coughing with liquids, weight loss, dehydration, or signs of aspiration—contact your GP/ED promptly
Book a feeding assessment
If your child is struggling with eating, don’t wait. We’re here to help your child grow, thrive and enjoy mealtimes—one bite at a time.
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📞 Call: 0412256656
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✉️ Book online: Contact Perth Speech Therapy
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Learn more: Feeding Therapy (www.perthspeechtherapy.com.au) | About us | All services
References (select, plain-language friendly)
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Birch & Deysher (1986) – early hunger/fullness regulation.
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Black & Aboud (2011); Savage et al. (2018) – responsive feeding and healthy habits.
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Goday et al. (2019) – consensus definition of Paediatric Feeding Disorder.
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Cohen & Dilfer (2022); Bahr & Johanson (2013) – family-centred, low-pressure strategies.
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Estrem et al. (2022); Fraser et al. (2023); Taylor et al. (2021) – feeding difficulties in developmental conditions.