Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my baby or child needs a Feeding Evaluation?

You have likely found or been referred to our website because your child is struggling with one, or many aspects of feeding. Here are some indicators that your child may benefit from feeding therapy: 

• Difficulty with sucking, chewing, swallowing

• Extreme pickiness and/or great difficulty trying new foods

• Sensitivity and refusal of certain textures 

• Delayed self feeding skills (finger feeding, use of utensils, open cup)

• Gagging, vomiting, heightened emotions at mealtime 

• Difficulty transitioning to solid food diet

What if my child doesn’t eat during a Feeding Evaluation?

This sometimes happens, in which case a video analysis of your child eating in the home can also provide great information. Observations about oral motor skills, sensory processing, and mealtime behaviors at the table during the evaluation can still provide important information about your child’s skills and areas of need.

Why Choose Occupational Therapy for Feeding Difficulties?

Any professional who works in the area of infant or pediatric feeding should have specialized training and mentorship in the field, regardless of the discipline. Our foundation in Occupational Therapy provides a framework for supporting the whole child, in the physical and emotional place they are in right now. This includes the following: 

• Motor and Cognitive Development Through the Lifespan

• Environmental Assessment and Accessibility 

• Sensory Integration

• Task Analysis 

Perhaps most importantly, we understand and support the core occupations of a child, essential for learning and growing, which include play, exploration, curiosity, and responsiveness from their caregivers and peers.

Will my insurance pay for feeding therapy?

We provide a superbill to you that you can be submitted to your insurance company as an out of network provider. Our services are also reimbursable under HSA plans. It is always recommended that you contact your insurance company directly to learn more about out of network coverage and what you might expect for reimbursement of the therapy evaluation and treatment sessions.

Which parts of the Bay Area do you serve?

Currently we are serving San Francisco, Alameda County, Marin County*, Contra Costa County*

* travel rates may apply to some areas