Supporting Children with Feeding Difficulties
Is your child struggling with eating, refusing foods, or making mealtimes stressful?
At Perth Speech Therapy, we provide well evidenced advice on feeding therapy in Perth to help children overcome food selectivity, mealtime anxiety, and sensory-related feeding challenges.
Why Feeding Difficulties Happen
Feeding difficulties can vary, but common signs include:
- Extreme pickiness or limited food range
- Avoiding certain textures or food groups
- Gagging or distress around smells, tastes, or touch
- Oral motor or swallowing challenges
- High anxiety at mealtimes
Sometimes these challenges point to a Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD), often linked to conditions such as Autism, ARFID, Down Syndrome, or Cerebral Palsy.
Why Feeding Matters
Feeding is about more than calories. It impacts:
- Growth & nutrition
- Brain development
- Social and family connections
Research shows most children are born able to regulate hunger, but without guidance, they may not achieve the right variety for healthy development. Mealtimes should feel positive, not overwhelming.
Our Approach: Responsive Feeding Therapy
At Perth Speech Therapy, we use a responsive, evidence-based approach that helps children build skills at their own pace.
Responsive feeding therapy focuses on:
- Building trust and confidence between child and caregiver during mealtimes
- Encouraging exploration of new foods, textures, and tastes without pressure
- Supporting children with sensory sensitivities, fussy eating, or swallowing challenges
- Creating calm, enjoyable mealtime routines that families can continue at home
Instead of forcing or controlling mealtimes, we help children feel safe, curious, and capable around food. This leads to better outcomes for both children and parents — less stress, more progress, and lifelong healthy eating habits.
What Feeding Therapy Involves
When you book with us, your child may receive:
- A thorough feeding assessment
- Play-based exposure to new textures and food groups
- Sensory and oral-motor strategies
- Parent guidance for mealtime structure
- Collaboration with OTs, dietitians, GPs, or psychologists when needed
Our goal is to empower families to feel confident at mealtimes.
Why Early Support Matters
Feeding issues often don’t disappear on their own. Early intervention:
- Reduces long-term mealtime stress
- Improves nutrition and growth
- Builds positive lifelong eating habits
Book a Feeding Therapy Assessment Today
If your child is struggling with eating, don’t wait.
Contact Perth Speech Therapy today to book an appointment or learn more.
We’re here to help your child grow, thrive, and enjoy mealtimes—one bite at a time.