Feeding Disorders

Feeding disorders include problems with sucking, eating from a spoon, chewing, drinking from a straw or cup, and picky eating.

Causes of feeding and swallowing disorders:

  • premature birth

  • oral motor coordination difficulties

  • sensory difficulties

  • tethered oral tissues (i.e., tongue, lip, and/or buccal tie)

  • muscle weakness or low tone in muscles of the face and neck

  • cleft lip or palate

  • autism

  • nervous system disorders, like cerebral palsy

  • breathing problems

  • reflux

  • behavior reasons

Reasons for Feeding Evaluations:

For Infants

  • Maternal pain when breastfeeding

  • Clicking and gulping noises present when breast or bottle feeding

  • Arched back or stiffening when breast or bottle feeding

  • Reflux

  • Colic

  • Fussiness during or after feeds

  • Falling asleep when feeding

  • Infant feeds lasting more than 30 minutes

  • Frequent feeding

  • Trouble breathing while eating and drinking

  • Lack of weight gain

  • Coughing or gagging while eating

  • Spitting up or throwing up excessively

  • Excessive drooling or having liquid come out of the mouth or nose

  • Refusal of bottle and/or pacifier

For Children & Adults

  • Selective/picky eating

  • Eats less than 20 foods

  • Anxiety around mealtime

  • Previously preferred foods are no longer eaten or accepted

  • Eating only certain textures, such as soft or crunchy foods 

  • Pocketing (holding food in cheeks or mouth)

  • Chews with mouth open beyond 3 years of age 

  • Takes a long time to chew and swallow food

  • Overstuffs food in mouth

  • Under chews and tries to swallow large pieces of food at a time

  • Gurgly voice during or after meals

  • Thrusts tongue between teeth and lips when swallowing

  • Greets cup, straw, or utensil with tongue