RTC Speech-12-Edit

Feeding Therapy Central Coast NSW

Helping Babies and Young Children Eat with Confidence

Is your child a fussy eater, refusing solids, or gagging on certain foods?

Feeding challenges are common in babies and toddlers — and often stressful for families.
Our feeding therapy programme at RTC Speech Pathology supports children under 5 who are struggling to eat safely, enjoy food, or grow well.

• Evidence-based strategies

• Fun, child-friendly approach

• Family support every step of the way

Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch to talk about how we can help.

Based on the Central Coast, NSW | In-clinic and online (Telehealth) appointments available.

Feeding Therapy Alt (1)

What is Feeding Therapy?

Feeding therapy helps children who have difficulty eating, drinking, chewing, or accepting different textures and tastes.
Unlike simple fussy eating, these challenges may relate to oral motor skills, sensory sensitivities, developmental delays, low oral muscle tone, or an orofacial myofunctional disorder (e.g. tongue tie, high arch palate, lip tie).

Our therapy sessions are designed to:

  • Teach safe chewing and swallowing
  • Help your child accept new textures and flavours
  • Reduce stress and anxiety around mealtimes
  • Build positive mealtime habits
  • Provide families with practical oral, visual, tactile, emotional and sensory strategies to support mealtimes
  • Use the evidence-based Food Chaining approach to gently increase food variety by building on familiar tastes and textures
toddler blowing bubbles

We work with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, tailoring therapy to your child’s specific feeding difficulties.

Common Signs Your Child May Need Feeding Therapy

Feeding difficulties can look different in every child. You might notice:
  • Refusing solids or gagging during meals
  • Only accepting certain textures (e.g., smooth purees)
  • Long, stressful mealtimes
  • Crying or distress during feeding
  • Trouble chewing or swallowing
  • Coughing or choking on food
  • Vomiting or spitting food out
  • Pocketing food in the cheeks
  • Poor weight gain or slow growth
  • Fussy eating that is not improving with time
  • Messy eating
  • Drooling excessively during mealtimes
  • Restricted and limited diet / foods they would eat

If your child is avoiding food, eating a very limited diet, or you're concerned about growth or nutrition, it’s worth getting a professional assessment

Our Approach to Feeding Therapy

At RTC Speech Pathology, we use a warm, play-based, sensory-based and evidence-based approach that makes children feel safe and supported while building their feeding skills.

Step 1: Feeding Assessment (45-60 minutes)
  • Review your child’s feeding history, diet, and growth
  • Observe how your child eats and drinks
  • In-depth oral motor assessment
  • Discuss any concerns and goals
  • Develop a personalised feeding plan
 
Step 2: Individual Therapy Sessions (30-45 minutes each)
  • Gentle, structured exposure to new foods using the Food Chaining Approach
  • Exercises for oral motor skills (e.g., tongue movement, jaw strength)
  • Sensory play and desensitisation strategies
  • Parent coaching for home mealtimes
  • Progress tracking and support at each step
  • Provide individualised oral, visual, tactile, sensory and emotional strategies

 

How often: Sessions are held fortnightly or weekly depending on your child’s needs

Where: In-clinic or via Telehealth if preferred

fussy eater

Whether your child is refusing solids or stuck on beige crunchy foods, we help them feel confident to explore and eat a wider variety.

Who Can Benefit from Feeding Therapy?

We support children who are:

👶  Late starting solids or having difficulty moving beyond purees
👄  Experiencing a tongue or lip tie that impacts feeding
😣  Highly sensitive to textures, smells, or new tastes
🚫  Avoiding whole food groups or refusing meals
🧠  Diagnosed with developmental delays or sensory processing issues
🧸  Selective eaters with extreme food preferences

Reassurance for Parents

Feeding challenges are not your fault — and you are not alone.
We understand how hard mealtimes can be when your child isn’t eating well. That’s why we work with you to create realistic, family-friendly strategies that make a difference and would collaborate with your team of allied health professionals e.g functional dentist/ENT.

“It’s not just about what they eat — it’s about making mealtimes less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.”

Private Health & Medicare Rebates

  • Many health funds offer rebates for feeding therapy (check your policy for speech therapy coverage).
  • You may also be eligible for Medicare rebates with a GP Management Plan (EPC).
  • No referral needed — you can book directly.
Get help understanding your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most toddlers go through a fussy phase, but if your child eats fewer than 15 foods, refuses entire food groups, or is not improving over time, they may benefit from professional help.

We work with children aged 6 months to 8 years, including those starting solids or transitioning off bottles and purees.

Yes. We regularly work with babies and toddlers who have oral motor difficulties or who need support after a tongue or lip tie release.

Book an initial feeding assessment. From there, we’ll tailor a plan based on your child’s needs.

Worried About Your Child’s Eating?

You’re not alone — and support is just a step away. We gently guide young children through feeding therapy that builds confidence and healthy habits for life.
Call Now
Email
Fill out the form below and our friendly team will be in touch shortly to arrange a feeding assessment.