Feeding Therapy That Builds Confidence at Mealtime
Evidence-based feeding support designed to help children develop safe, functional, and positive eating skills—while supporting families every step of the way.
Personalized programs | Family-centered approach | Clinician-led care
What is Feeding Therapy?
Feeding therapy is a structured, evidence-based intervention designed to support children who experience challenges related to eating, mealtime behaviors, or food acceptance. While picky eating is common in many children, ongoing food selectivity—such as refusing entire food groups, textures, or volumes—may interfere with nutrition, growth, and daily family routines.
Our feeding therapy programs focus on building positive, functional eating skills in a supportive environment. Intervention targets the behaviors and skills that make eating possible and successful, rather than forcing or pressuring children to eat.
Research shows that feeding-related challenges often do not resolve on their own. Early, individualized intervention can help establish healthy eating patterns that support long-term development and overall well-being.
Who Can Benefit From Feeding Therapy?
Children experience feeding challenges for many reasons. Feeding therapy may be appropriate for children who demonstrate persistent difficulties such as:
Limited variety of accepted foods
Your child eats only a small number of foods and may rely on the same meals repeatedly, limiting exposure to new tastes and nutrients.
Gagging, vomiting, or distress when introduced to new foods
Strong physical or emotional reactions—such as gagging, vomiting, or crying—may occur when new or non-preferred foods are presented.
Dependence on preferred foods or liquids
Eating may rely heavily on a small set of preferred foods or drinks, making it difficult to introduce variety or balanced meals.
Avoidance of specific textures, temperatures, or food groups
Certain textures (e.g., crunchy, soft), temperatures, or entire food groups may be consistently avoided, making mealtime challenging.
Refusal behaviors during meals
Mealtime may include behaviors such as turning away, pushing food away, leaving the table, or prolonged meal durations.
Difficulty consuming adequate volume
Your child may eat very small amounts or stop eating early, which can impact overall nutrition and growth.
Difficulty chewing or swallowing age-appropriate foods
Your child may struggle with chewing, managing food in their mouth, or transitioning to textures expected for their age.
We can help
Contact Us
Our Feeding Therapy Approach
Our feeding therapy programs are grounded in behavioral science and tailored to each child’s strengths, challenges, and developmental level. Therapy focuses on building skills gradually while creating positive and predictable mealtime experiences.
Comprehensive Assessment
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) conducts a detailed assessment of your child’s current feeding behaviors, preferences, routines, and mealtime environment. Data collection helps identify patterns, barriers, and skill deficits.
Individualized Treatment Planning
Based on assessment results, an individualized feeding support plan is developed. Programs are designed to be achievable, flexible, and responsive to your child’s progress.
Ongoing Data Monitoring
Progress is measured continuously. Data allows clinicians to adjust strategies, track improvement, and ensure therapy remains effective and appropriate.
Skill Development & Behavior Support
Therapy may include evidence-based strategies such as:
- Gradual exposure to new foods and textures
- Reinforcement strategies to encourage appropriate eating behaviors
- Teaching chewing, self-feeding, and utensil use
- Reducing refusal behaviors through structured, supportive techniques
WE’RE HERESupporting Families Through Every Mealtime Step
We believe feeding therapy is most effective when families are actively involved in the process. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in helping children build safe, positive, and functional eating skills beyond therapy sessions.
Throughout treatment, families receive clear guidance, education, and ongoing communication to ensure strategies are applied consistently at home and during everyday meals. Our clinicians work closely with caregivers to support progress, answer questions, and adjust goals as needed.
If mealtimes feel stressful or overwhelming, you’re not alone. We’re here to support your family, build confidence around eating, and help create healthier, more positive mealtime experiences.
Is feeding therapy only for children with autism?
No. Feeding therapy can support children with a wide range of feeding challenges, including selective eating, difficulty with textures, or mealtime behaviors. Services are individualized based on each child’s needs.
At what age can a child begin feeding therapy?
Feeding therapy can be appropriate for children as young as 18 months and can support older children as well. Early support often helps build healthier long-term eating patterns.
Will my child be forced to eat foods they don’t like?
No. Feeding therapy focuses on building positive, functional eating skills through supportive, evidence-based strategies. Children are never forced to eat.
How are parents involved in feeding therapy?
Family involvement is an essential part of the program. Caregivers receive guidance, education, and support to help promote consistency and generalization at home.
Is feeding therapy covered by insurance?
Feeding therapy may be covered when provided as part of an ABA-based treatment plan and when eligibility criteria are met. Our team can help guide families through insurance verification and next steps.
LINKS
CONTACT
3450 Ellicott Center Dr, Suite 205
Ellicott City, MD 21043
T: +1 (443) 351-6700
E: info@lucentracare.com
HOURS
Mon – Fri: 9am-6pm
Sat–Sun: Closed