The Comprehensive Feeding Therapy Program is a trans-disciplinary initiative developed to enhance oral intake and maximize independence at mealtimes. A neighborhood team consisting of a Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Dietician, pediatrician, Nurse, Psychologist, Child Life Specialist, and Music Therapist assess each child's feeding abilities and potential, develop a feeding plan, educate caregivers and family members, and foster a mealtime environment that improves quality of life and promotes feeding success. The Comprehensive Feeding Therapy Program addresses resident needs through individualized therapy as well as through feeding groups that have been developed around the goals of the program. These groups target children with "failure to thrive", candidates for full or partial weaning from tube feeding, infants who are not presently taking food by mouth but who benefit from oral stimulation, and children who have developed sensory and behavioral issues around mealtime including aversions to foods or utensils. The groups use traditional therapeutic interventions as well as music therapy to motivate children and create positive eating and self-feeding experience.
