Feeding Team

Franciscan Children’s Multidisciplinary Feeding Team is comprised of a combination of a Behavioral Psychologist, Registered Dietitian, Occupational Therapist, and/or Speech Language Pathologist, who assess children with a wide range of feeding difficulties.

The purpose of a Feeding Team evaluation is to determine whether a true feeding disorder is present, determine the etiology/etiologies of feeding challenges, and provide recommendations and follow-up support in the management of feeding disorders. When applicable, therapy is provided. Symptoms of feeding disorders include:

• Reduced variety of foods accepted
• Difficulty gaining weight
• Weight loss
• Gagging with certain foods or textures
• Difficulties adequately chewing or swallowing certain textures
• Difficulties transitioning to more advanced textures
• Maladaptive mealtime behaviors (e.g., tantrums, refusal)

Dietitians at Franciscan Children’s ensure a balanced nutritional intake to optimize infants and children’s growth and development. Pediatric dietitians may help children who eat food, who are fed through a tube, or who receive nutrition through an IV. Dietitians make sure a child is receiving enough nutrition to grow properly.

At Franciscan Children’s, Dietitians who are pediatric specialists provide services within various programs, including both inpatient and outpatient programs.