Our therapists are trained in a variety of different approaches to feeding and oral motor skill development.  Your child’s therapist may use some elements of different programs to best address your child’s needs and goals. Please note that these interventions require advanced training, therefore may only be provided by specific therapists.   Here are some of the programs and approaches we use at PDC:

The SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to Feeding is a therapeutic method used in  occupational therapy to address feeding difficulties in children. It is designed for children with sensory-based feeding issues, oral motor delays, restrictive or “picky” eating, or medical complexities that impact their ability to eat a variety of foods. This approach uses a play-based, child-friendly methodology to help children explore and interact with food in a non-threatening way. The process involves gradually introducing foods along a sensory hierarchy—beginning with looking, smelling, and touching, and eventually moving to tasting and eating—at the child’s own pace. Therapists work on oral motor skill development, sensory desensitization, and building a positive relationship with food. For older children, SOS incorporates a food science approach, where kids learn about the properties of food (such as texture, temperature, and taste) and how food interacts with their senses. This method allows older children to engage with food on a more cognitive level, understanding why they may be sensitive to certain textures or tastes, and provides strategies to increase their food variety. The benefits of SOS Feeding include reducing mealtime stress, increasing food acceptance and variety, and improving oral motor skills necessary for chewing and swallowing. By using fun, exploratory activities, therapists and parents help children develop the skills and confidence they need for safe and enjoyable mealtimes.

The Beckman Oral Motor Program is a therapeutic approach used in pediatric occupational therapy to address oral motor difficulties that can impact feeding, speech, and overall oral function. It is commonly used with children who have challenges related to chewing, swallowing, or speaking, especially those with developmental delays, sensory processing differences, or motor coordination difficulties. The program focuses on strengthening and improving the coordination of the muscles used for oral activities through a series of targeted exercises. These exercises aim to improve muscle tone, mouth posture, and overall oral motor control, which can support better eating habits and clearer speech. The Beckman Oral Motor Program is beneficial for children with a range of feeding and speech concerns, and therapists use it to enhance oral motor skills in a way that is both structured and fun for the child.

FOCUS for Mealtime Success is a therapeutic method used to address feeding difficulties, particularly with children who experience sensory processing differences or have selective eating habits. This approach is grounded in creating a positive, relaxed feeding environment, where the child is encouraged to explore food at their own pace and comfort level. It focuses on reducing anxiety around mealtimes and building trust with food through gradual exposure and sensory exploration. FOCUS can help children develop a more varied and balanced diet by addressing not only the physical aspects of eating but also the sensory and emotional factors that may contribute to feeding challenges. It is especially effective for children with sensory sensitivities, picky eating, or issues with oral motor skills. Occupational therapists guide families in implementing this approach, providing strategies for creating structured, yet flexible mealtime routines that support both oral motor skills and sensory processing needs, while promoting a positive relationship with food.