The Feeding Clinic at National Speech

Our Vision is......

  1. To offer a staff of clinicians who are passionate about working with children with feeding and swallowing disorders
  2. To reduce negative mealtime behaviors so that mealtimes can be a positive experience for all family members
  3. To improve sucking, chewing or swallowing skills in order to promote safer mealtimes
  4. To increase acceptance of foods and textures that meet the child's nutritional needs
  5. To individualize treatment that targets each child's and family's mealtime preferences
  6. To provide education to caregivers, siblings, teachers and/or other service providers in the treatment process
In addition to evaluations and individual therapy, the Feeding Clinic provides the following services: 

  • Breastfeeding Support: With a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) on staff, we aim to educate and support families with a variety of breastfeeding situations, assess breastfeeding using a multi-faceted approach, and can identify and monitor management techniques for common breastfeeding problems. We are always happy to answer individual questions, and can set consultations and treatment sessions. 
 
  • Parent Training Program: The parent training program is geared towards families with children who are selective eaters.  This program focuses on providing education and strategies to parents to use in the home. This training allows the parents to identify the reasons for their child’s eating habits, and make changes that will positively affect the entire family.
 
  • Parent Groups:  Treating a child/teenager that has feeding or swallowing difficulties requires a team approach.  Parents and caregivers need to be on board in order for the child to meet their nutritional needs and improve their mealtime behaviors. Parents often experience a variety of emotions when their child has a feeding disorder including feelings of confusion, frustration, and concern for the future.  These groups are a nice way for parents to meet other parents that are experiencing the same emotions and experiences, while also providing them the ability to ask direct questions to a speech pathologist.
​​
  • Community Outreach: Therapy works best when the child is provided with a team approach. Educating teachers and additional caregivers is an important piece to the treatment process. Seminars and trainings can be conducted at schools, daycares, and other locations where the child spends their time. A feeding specialist is able to ensure all members of the team are able to understand and assist in feeding therapy. Trainings can be conducted for small or large groups. 
 


If you have any questions, please call (202) 470-4185 and ask for April Anderson MA, CCC-SLP, CLC.  April also hosts a blog, Table Blues, that provides advice, resources, and materials for parents, caregivers, and professionals who are working with children experiencing a feeding disorder.