Oral Motor Skills
Some children have not yet developed the strength, coordination, or control in their jaw, tongue, and lips needed to chew and swallow a full range of foods safely and comfortably.
Feeding Therapy
Mealtimes should not be a source of stress.
Feeding therapy supports children who struggle with the physical or sensory side of eating, whether that shows up as difficulty with certain textures, trouble chewing or swallowing safely, or a mealtime that ends in tears more often than not. It is delivered by a speech-language pathologist because feeding and swallowing rely on many of the same oral muscles and coordination skills used in speech.
We help children eat more comfortably and confidently, so that mealtimes become easier for the whole family.
What We Work On
What feeding therapy addresses
Texture Difficulties
A child may manage purées or soft foods well but struggle, gag, or refuse when textures change, which can narrow their diet and make family mealtimes stressful.
Swallowing Difficulties
Some children have genuine difficulty coordinating a safe swallow, which needs careful, professional support rather than pressure or persuasion at the table.
Selective or Restricted Eating
When a limited diet is rooted in sensory or motor difficulty rather than simple fussiness, therapy addresses the underlying cause instead of just the behaviour at mealtimes.
How It Works
Five steps to easier mealtimes.
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A free screening
We start by understanding what is happening at mealtimes: what is difficult, when, and how often. No cost, no commitment, just a clear next step.
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An assessment
A full assessment looks at oral motor skills, texture tolerance, swallowing safety, and the mealtime environment, so we understand exactly what is driving the difficulty.
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A therapy plan built around your child
Every plan is built around the individual child, their pace, and their specific triggers, never a generic one-size-fits-all programme.
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Support close to mealtimes
Feeding therapy works best close to real mealtimes. Sessions are available at home, at school, at our Morningside premises, or online for follow-up and coaching. See how sessions work →
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Family involvement, every step
Feeding is a family experience. Parents and caregivers are treated as partners, not bystanders, with practical strategies you can use at every meal, not just in session.
Mealtimes should not be a source of stress.
Book a free screening or get in touch to find out whether feeding therapy could help your child and your family.
Medical aid and cash accepted.