Feeding Therapy - Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to

 SOS stands for Sequential-Oral-Sensory, this is a child driven approach to feeding therapy. SOS was developed by Dr. Kay Toomey., a pediatric psychologist with over 30 years of clinical experience assessing and treating children with a wide range of feeding challenges . This approach focuses on problem eaters with postural, sensory, and/or oral-motor difficulties resulting in decreased food repertoire. This therapy is family driven, requiring parental involvement in all sessions. Danielle Collins is a trained provider in the SOS feeding therapy approach

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In order for a child to qualify for feeding therapy, they must:

- eat less than 10 proteins

- eat less than 10 veggies/fruits

-eat less than 10 starches

- be able to sustain attention for a 45 minute session at tabletop

- Have a difficult time trying new foods when presented to them

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Evaluations for feeding therapy typically last about 45 minutes in length. It is requested that parent/guardian bring a variety of foods that are preferred, non-preferred, and new to the child. The OT will observe the child's oral motor skills, postural support, and sensory reactions to different types of foods. We will discuss what a typical family meal time looks like and how the child's decreased repertoire may be impacting their daily needs. 

Sessions for feeding therapy are typically 45-60 minutes in length. During sessions, the therapist will provide all foods in a hierarchical approach that makes sure to include all different textures, types, and oral motor skill components. Sessions are child-led and FUN, with no forcing of foods. Children work at their own pace, encouraged by the therapist, in order to increase their food repertoire. We encourage kids to get messy, have fun, and play during their feeding sessions. Feeding therapy includes intense parental education in order to continue sessions in to the home.