How speech and language therapists help children with chewing, swallowing and communication around food.
Speech and language therapists (SLTs) are known for supporting communication, but they also specialise in eating, drinking and swallowing. In the UK, speech and language therapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
For children with feeding difficulties, an SLT looks at how a child uses their lips, tongue and jaw, how safely they swallow, and how they communicate what they like, need or feel at mealtimes.
Our Clinical Advisory Board includes speech and language therapists Charlotte Sireshuk and Laura Bottiglieri. Charlotte co-wrote the Eating as Learning Curriculum, which helps schools and settings support children to build confidence with food.
Search our Find an Expert directory for certified Eating as Learning professionals who specialise in children’s feeding and eating.
Support with seating and posture, sensory processing, self-feeding skills and mealtime routines.
Support with growth, nutrition and making sure a limited diet still meets a child’s needs.
Support with anxiety around food, distress at mealtimes and confidence for children and families.
The Foundation regularly works alongside other charities and community organisations to ensure families can access relevant support and opportunities to get involved.
Examples include:
Positive About Down Syndrome (PADS)
The Foundation worked with PADS to develop a parent webinar exploring feeding development and eating challenges experienced by some children with Down syndrome.
Autism West Midlands
Through workshops and learning events, families have been able to explore topics relating to feeding differences, participation and neurodevelopment.
Worcestershire Parent Carer Forum
Partnership work with Worcestershire Parent Carer Forum has provided opportunities to hear family perspectives, support local engagement activities and strengthen conversations around feeding development, SEND and inclusion.
Interested in becoming a partner organisation?
