Feeding issues are a common concern of many parents and caregivers. Challenges sometimes begin at birth with problems latching or months later as purees are introduced. For some families, feeding challenges may result in choking, gagging or refusing food altogether.
Whether the child is an infant or toddler, feeding concerns can be a source of stress and frustration for parents and caregivers.
The good news is, there are services available at no direct cost to any family to help address feeding concerns.
Early Intervention Services is one of three programs that comprise Partners in Child Development. With an office in Chelmsford, we serve families and children in Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough and Westford. Our specialists offer therapeutic services to families with infants and toddlers up to three years old for a wide range of developmental concerns including speech, motor skills such as crawling and walking, and behavioral concerns. Feeding concerns is one of the most common concerns that our specialists help families address with their infant or toddler.
Feeding: A Common Concern with Therapies to Help
Early Intervention Services has a breadth of professionals who have the skills and expertise to assist with feeding concerns including occupational therapists, speech language pathologists and Registered Nurses with certifications in lactation. Our staff includes many professionals who are bilingual with staff who speak Portuguese, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
An Overview of Our Services and How it Works
Our Early Intervention Services professionals work with families to offer therapies, strategies, and support that can be integrated into a family’s daily routines.
There is no direct cost to any family as our services are covered by insurance or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Step 1: Request a free evaluation.
Step 2: An evaluation is scheduled in a child’s natural environment (e.g., home, day care) where we meet with you and your child to listen and learn more about your feeding concerns. Eligibility for services is determined.
Step 3: Therapeutic services are provided
Therapeutic Services to Address Feeding Concerns
After an evaluation, the appropriate specialists will be assembled to bring their extensive knowledge and experience working with infants and toddlers to provide therapies to address your feeding concerns, working closely with you to share ideas and strategies to incorporate into your routines.
In this video, Natalie Howard, MS, CCC-SLP, a speech language pathologist at Early Intervention Services shares how our services empower and improve outcomes for families and children specific to feeding.
If you have feeding concerns about a child three years old or younger, we encourage you to speak to your pediatrician and reach out to Early Intervention Services at Partners in Child Development for a free evaluation. Such services can provide relief and peace of mind for parents, caregivers and families as our specialists work with you to find strategies and techniques to help your child.
We welcome the opportunity to work with you and your family.
Reach out for a free evaluation.
Visit our new website to learn more about Early Intervention Services
