CHATTERBOXES PRESENTS APPROACH TO FEEDING SERVICES AT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL BOSTON:

Outpatient Eating Disorders Program: Division of Adolescent Medicine

July 27, 2011

On behalf of The Feeding Group at Chatterboxes, Megan Rozantes, M.S., CCC-SLP was recently invited to present to the team members of the Outpatient Eating Disorders Program at Children’s Hospital Boston. Team members in attendance included physicians, psychiatrists, nutritionists, and social workers from the division of Adolescent Medicine.

An overview of Chatterboxes approach to Feeding Evaluations and Feeding Therapy was provided, along with discussions about Common Referral Criterion, Red Flags indicative of a Feeding Disorder and specific treatment approaches, including the AEIOU approach.

Children’s Hospital Team members were provided with extensive collateral materials for reference purposes. Such materials included example Evaluation Reports, detailed strategies and recommendations for parents of children struggling with feeding issues, common referral criterion, and feeding developmental milestones.

Many times parents of young children struggling with a range of feeding concerns, (varying from ‘picky eaters’ to children with severe sensory, behavioral and/or motor based issues) do not know where to turn for help. Many parents are not aware that Speech-Language Pathologists can provide assistance and treatment for a Feeding Disorder. The Feeding Group’s presentation was a positive measure to help such parents uncover the correct professionals for help

Modify the Mealtime Environment: Feeding Strategies

Modify the Mealtime Environment

The structure of the mealtime environment can have a major impact on a child's eating behavior. Overall, strive for a positive environment that is predictable and supportive. To optimize the environment, consider implementing the following:

• Schedule regular meals for the family. Have everyone remain seated at the table for the duration of the meal.

• Avoid grazing. Offer only water between meals and snacks. This will support a regular hunger-satiation pattern and may help lead to increased daily food consumption.

• Minimize auditory and visual distractions at mealtime by turning the television off and keeping toys away from the table.

• Try limiting meals to 30 minutes and snacks to 10-15 minutes.

• Do not rush through meals. Your child may need extra time given their developing self-feeding skills.

• Mealtime is meant to be a social experience. Talk with your child about the food you are eating, ask him questions about his day, or discuss his favorite things.

• Be sure that your child's seating allows free use of hands to encourage self-feeding.

• Model positive feeding behaviors for your child throughout the meal.