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Early Childhood Intervention
This website is a place for families who are facing
challenges pertaining to their child's development and
growth.
It is a place to find answers and practical
suggestions. That's what Early Intervention Support is all
about.
Whether a family has a child with a challenging behavior,
a disability or developmental issue, childhood is short - it
should be savored and enjoyed.
Learn More:
Ask a Therapist
We understand developmental milestones and the challenges
of Special Needs children. We spend a great deal of time
with families understanding the inner workings of childhood
routines and interactions. Ask us about your child today!
Ask a Therapist
Food & Eating Delays
Back to: Therapist
Questions & Answers - Food Concerns
My toddler is 16 months old and gags on toddler food. It appears
that he is not chewing his food but just swallowing. Where can I go for
help?
You may find some tips from reading a few of our other Ask A
Therapist submissions on
food and eating at this link.
I would recommend seeking a feeding evaluation for your son through
your local early intervention provider. Typically an occupational
therapist or speech therapist will complete this evaluation.
GREENSBORO (Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Randolph, Rockingham)
Meryl Murphy, Interim Director
Children's Developmental Services Agency
122 North Elm Street Suite 400
Greensboro NC 27401
336-334-5601
Fax: 336-334-5657
Meryl.Murphy@dhhs.nc.gov
You can also inquire with your pediatrician regarding local
clinics or hospitals which specialize in
pediatric feeding.
You may want to purchase a
Fresh Food Feeder by Munchkin, which is a "food net" or a little
bag you can find at Toys R Us or other baby stores where you can put
a piece of food inside and allow a young child to practice chewing
without the feel of choking.
When presenting foods to your son, only place a few very small
bites on his tray, try placing foods to the left and right sides on
his molar area instead of directly in front to encourage chewing.
Let him watch you chew and exaggerate your chewing and give him
verbal cues "chew, chew, chew". Cut toast in long strips that you or
he can hold and place them to the left and right sides on his teeth
and encourage him to bite off a piece using his teeth. Instead of
stage 3 toddler foods (many children have trouble with these mixed
textures with chunks in them and do gag), offer soft, mashed tables
foods, whatever your meal is that evening.
Back to: Therapist Questions
& Answers - Food Concerns
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