The short answer: Many young children go through a picky phase. A feeding difficulty is different: the child eats a very limited range of foods, struggles to chew, swallow or move from purees to textured foods, gags or chokes often, or mealtimes are consistently stressful. Feeding therapy, provided by a trained speech and language therapist, helps children build the oral motor skills and confidence they need to eat a wider variety of foods safely.
Your child will only eat plain pasta and one brand of yoghurt. Mealtimes end in tears. You have tried hiding vegetables, offering rewards and waiting it out, and nothing changes. Relatives say they will grow out of it, but you are not so sure.
Picky Eating vs a Feeding Difficulty
| Typical picky eating | Possible feeding difficulty |
|---|---|
| Eats a reasonable range of foods, even if some are refused | Eats a very small number of foods, and the list may be shrinking |
| Will tolerate new foods on the plate | Becomes very distressed when new foods are near |
| Eventually tries new foods after repeated exposure | Rarely or never accepts new foods or textures |
| Chews and swallows without difficulty | Gags, chokes, coughs or struggles to chew |
| Growth is on track | Concerns about weight, growth or nutrition |
Signs Your Child May Need Feeding Therapy
- Difficulty moving from purees to lumpy or solid foods
- Frequent gagging, coughing or vomiting during meals
- Holding food in the mouth for a long time or spitting it out
- Difficulty drinking from a cup or straw
- Mealtimes that regularly take a very long time
- Strong reactions to food textures, smells or temperatures
- Drooling or difficulty keeping food in the mouth
If you have any concerns about your child’s weight, growth or breathing during meals, speak to your paediatrician as well.
Why Feeding Difficulties Happen
Feeding is a complex skill. Difficulties can be linked to weak or uncoordinated oral muscles, sensory sensitivities, a history of reflux or medical issues, developmental conditions such as autism or Down syndrome, or anxiety built up from difficult mealtime experiences. Often, more than one factor is involved.
What Happens in Feeding Therapy?
- Assessment of how your child chews, swallows, drinks and reacts to different textures
- Oral motor work to build strength and coordination of the lips, tongue and jaw
- Gradual exposure to new foods and textures in small, manageable steps
- Sensory strategies for children who are sensitive to touch, smell or texture
- Parent coaching on mealtime routines, positioning and reducing pressure
Sessions are calm and playful. Children are never forced to eat.
Mealtime Tips to Try at Home
- Offer one safe food at every meal alongside a new one
- Let your child touch, smell and play with new foods without pressure to eat
- Eat together and model enjoying a range of foods
- Keep mealtimes to a predictable length
- Avoid bribes and praise for eating, and focus on enjoyment
Feeding Therapy at Mind Institute, Doha
At Mind Institute, our children’s speech and language therapists support feeding, swallowing and oral motor difficulties. When clinically appropriate, therapy may include feeding therapy, oral motor intervention and Oral Placement Therapy. If sensory sensitivities play a big role, our occupational therapists can support too.
Are mealtimes a daily struggle? Request a feeding assessment.
FAQs
Feeding therapy is often provided by speech and language therapists trained in feeding and swallowing. Occupational therapists may also support sensory aspects.
Feeding therapy can start in infancy, for example when a baby struggles with drinking or moving to solid foods.
No. Feeding therapy uses gradual, pressure-free steps so children build confidence with new foods at their own pace.
Yes. Mind Institute supports feeding difficulties in children with autism and other developmental conditions, adapting therapy to each child’s needs.
Contact Mind Institute Therapy Clinic
Mind Institute Therapy Clinic, licensed by Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health
Building No. 72, Zone 56, Street 728, Wadi Lubara Street, Ain Khaled, Doha, Qatar
- Call / WhatsApp: +974 3337 7648
- Landline: +974 4418 1968
- Email: info@mindinstituteqatar.com
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm (closed Friday and Saturday)
Request an appointment online or message us on WhatsApp.