Chicagoland Feeding and Swallowing Clinic
Chicagoland Speech, Occupational Therapy

Chicagoland Feeding and Swallowing Clinic
Chicagoland Speech, Occupational Therapy
 Feeding Clinic
Eating is the most basic yet the most complex function our bodies are capable of performing. Swallowing is a reflex that develops in-utero at 32 weeks of gestation. Feeding & diapering are two critical activities that dominate babies and parents' schedule in the first several months. We strongly believe that every baby deserves a chance for oral feedings as soon as cleared medically. When there is a feeding / swallowing problem, it disrupts the bonding time between infant and parent. More often than not, a simple yet systematic approach can alleviate the struggle between the infant and the parent.

WHO SHOULD BENEFIT?
  • NG-tube or G-tube Feeders: Infants who are unable to feed by mouth due to aspiration concerns and are using alternate means of nutrition such as NG-tube or a G-tube for feedings.
  • Fussy Eaters: When babies struggle to transition from formula / breast-milk to baby foods (smooth purees). Typical complaints we hear are:
    • "My baby does not like baby food but would drink all the milk without problems"
    • "My baby refuses to try table foods, however, will eat baby food without any problems".
    • "He gags and throws up every time I try to feed him crackers or cheerios".
    • "My baby puts everything in mount except food".
    • "Feeding is such a nightmare, I dread every meal time!"
DISORDERS THAT WE TREAT AT OUR CLINIC
  • Sensory-Behavioral Feeding Disorders.
  • Gastro-esophageal reflux.
  • Feeding issues,
    • related to pre-mature birth & related complications.
    • arising from GI track anomalies such as tracheo-esophageal fistula, pyloric stenosis, etc.
  • Neurological disorders: related to facial muscle weakness, low tone, spasticity, and cerebral palsy.
  • Cranio-facial anomalies such as cleft-lip and palate.
  • Poor weight gain and failure to thrive.
HOW WE CAN HELP
We have a very unique program at Assential Therapies that is custom made to suite the needs of each individual & family. The team of professionals that may be involved in establishing a treatment plan include an SLP, OT, DT, a dietician and/or a PT. Our team reviews the case and then collaborates with the appropriate medical professionals including the pediatricians, GI specialists, ENTs, pulmonologists, Cardiologists and other specialists. We communicate with your pediatrician or primary doctor and also encourage families to keep their pediatricians informed & involved about their child's therapy. We at Assential Therapies, believe that no approach meets every child's need and therefore use one or more of the following approaches:
  • Oral Motor Therapies.
  • SOS Approach (Sensory Oral Sequential approach to feeding).
  • VitalStim Therapy.
  • Sensory Food Play.
  • Behavior Management.
  • Promoting Self-feeding skills.
  • Nutritional / Dietary referrals.
  • Feeding Groups.
  • Parent Education and Support.
  • Home Programs.

Chicagoland Feeding and Swallowing Clinic, Chicagoland Speech Occupational Therapy
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241 Golf Mill Center, Suite 201, Niles, IL 60714 (847) 699-9757 fax (847) 699-5037