Feeding and Swallowing Therapy for Children
Supporting Safe, Coordinated Eating and Drinking
For some children, eating isn’t simple — it can be slow, tiring, or even risky. Difficulties with chewing, swallowing, or coordinating movements may affect nutrition, growth, and mealtime comfort.
At KidsHeart Medical Center, our pediatric occupational therapists provide specialized feeding and swallowing therapy to support safer, more effective eating skills.
We work gently and holistically — improving function while reducing stress around food.
This therapy is part of our Pediatric Occupational Therapy services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain.
What Is Feeding and Swallowing Therapy?
Feeding and swallowing therapy addresses oral motor skills, sensory responses, and coordination needed for safe eating and drinking.
Common areas of focus include:
- Chewing strength and tongue control
- Lip closure and swallowing safety
- Pacing, posture, and breathing while eating
- Managing different food textures and consistencies
- Reducing gagging, coughing, or pocketing food
Therapy helps children eat more safely — and with greater comfort and independence.
When Should You Seek Help?
An evaluation may be needed if your child:
- Struggles to chew or move food in the mouth
- Coughs, gags, or chokes during meals
- Avoids certain textures or consistencies
- Takes a very long time to eat
- Tires easily during feeding
- Has difficulty with cup drinking or straw use
- Shows signs of oral-motor delay or poor weight gain
Early support can improve nutrition, safety, and confidence — for both child and parent.
What to Expect in Therapy
Therapy sessions are calm, respectful, and child-led. Depending on the concern, sessions may include:
- Oral-motor exercises for strength and control
- Gradual exposure to different textures or utensils
- Sensory play to reduce aversions and build comfort
- Postural and positioning support during feeding
- Practice with cups, straws, or adaptive tools
- Family coaching on safe feeding practices at home
We move at your child’s pace — always prioritizing safety, comfort, and trust.
Why Choose KidsHeart?
- Therapists trained in pediatric feeding and swallowing development
- Individualized programs based on medical and developmental needs
- Gentle, play-based strategies that avoid force or pressure
- Family support for mealtime routines and carryover
- Accessible care throughout Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain
We help children eat more comfortably — and help families feel less alone in the process.
Supporting Safer, Calmer Mealtimes
At KidsHeart, we help children eat with more ease — and help parents worry less.
With time and support, mealtimes can become safer, calmer, and more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
OT focuses on sensory and motor aspects of eating; we often work alongside speech therapists when needed.
We can support readiness for oral feeding and build foundational skills where appropriate.
No. We use gradual exposure and positive reinforcement — never pressure or force.
Yes. Especially when the refusal is linked to oral-motor or sensory challenges.
It depends on your child’s needs — but small improvements often start early in the process.