Feeding Therapy for Children in Illinois

FAQs

• What is feeding therapy?

  It is a type of pediatric therapy that helps children who have difficulty eating comfortably. Feeding therapists try to understand why the issue occurs, whether the reason is medical, behavioral, or sensory. They address swallowing disorders, oral motor delays, picky eating, and more through structured and individualized therapy plans. Feeding therapy is usually provided by a pediatric feeding therapist at a pediatric feeding clinic.

• When should a child start feeding therapy?

  Feeding challenges can show up from infancy, so the sooner you seek help, the better. Early signs include latching issues, frequent gagging, difficulty gaining weight, or discomfort with certain food textures. As for older children, it is best to seek help when picky eating results in a nutritional deficit and adds to family stress. Seeking help early is always the best way to avoid conditions from becoming worse.

• What types of Feeding Therapy does Westside have?

  We offer 3 types of feeding therapy: (1) Picky Eating, (2) Medically-Based, (3) Pre and Post Frenectomy Care.

  The first type of feeding therapy is for picky eaters. This therapy is conducted by specially trained Speech or Occupational therapists in diverse philosophies of feeding therapy. The goal of this therapy is to reduce mealtime aversions and increase overall food repertoire for proper nutritional intake.

  The second type of feeding therapy is for children with medically-based feeding conditions. Feeding therapy for this area focuses on increasing safe oral intake, reducing aspiration risk, increasing weight gain and food tolerance, increasing motor skills, and aiding in acquiring age-appropriate feeding milestones in infancy through 18 years of age.

  The third type is a specifically designed program that encompasses pre and post-care and exercises for tethered oral tissue releases or revisions. This program includes evaluation, pre and post operative care/training for releases or revisions of tongue ties, lip ties, and any other tethered oral tissues.

• What warrants my "picky eater" needing feeding therapy?

  “Picky eaters” need feeding therapy when they are eating less than 30 different foods, are having extreme difficulties when new or non-preferred foods are presented, or when feeding your kiddo has become an extreme stressor for your family.

• Which insurances do you accept?

  We work with a wide variety of insurance companies and HMO networks. We are always expanding our network – click here to view the list of our currently accepted insurances.

  While cost varies by insurance plan, number of therapy hours, and other factors, we still inform you on what you’ll expect to pay after your child’s evaluation.

• Why is Westside considered the best feeding therapy provider?

  If mealtimes in your house feel like a battle, you’re not alone — and you’re not doing anything wrong. Feeding challenges are more common than most people realize, and they’re almost never just about being “picky.” There’s usually something deeper going on: a sensory sensitivity, an oral motor difficulty, or anxiety around food that’s built up over time.

  At Westside, we approach feeding without pressure and without judgment — for your child or for you. Using evidence-based frameworks like the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach, our team looks at the whole picture, bringing together speech therapists, occupational therapists, and behavior specialists to understand exactly what’s getting in the way. That level of integrated care is rare, and it makes a real difference. Families come to us exhausted and discouraged, and they leave with a plan that actually works — and mealtimes that feel a little more like mealtimes again.

• How long will my child be in therapy?

  Graduating kids from pediatric feeding therapy is our goal. It means that we did our job and that the child’s concerns have been addressed. We do everything we can to achieve progress as quickly as possible. When it is agreed that the concerns have been fully addressed, it is time to graduate AND celebrate!

• What is Westside's snack fee?

  Our snack fee is a way for us to purchase, prepare, and provide all the foods needed for our picky eaters during feeding therapy sessions.

  The cost is $150.00 every 12 weeks and is an alternative to bringing in your own food for therapy.

• Which age ranges do you treat?

  At Westside, we generally treat children from birth to 18 years old. Our therapists are trained to work with infants, kids, and teens.