What Is Feeding Therapy? How Speech Therapy in Phnom Penh Supports Picky Eaters and Swallowing Issues

Most people think of speech therapy as helping children speak more clearly. But did you know it can also help with eating and feeding difficulties? At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our licensed speech-language pathologists also provide feeding therapy—supporting children who struggle with food textures, chewing, swallowing, or mealtime behaviors. Whether your child is extremely picky or has more serious feeding challenges, the right support can transform daily life.

When Is Feeding Therapy Needed?

Some children eat a limited variety of foods, avoid entire textures (like crunchy or wet foods), gag during meals, or take a very long time to eat. Others may:

• Pocket food in their cheeks

• Struggle to chew or swallow safely

• Refuse to eat at school or daycare

• Depend on purees past the toddler stage

• Experience failure to thrive or poor weight gain

Feeding therapy is recommended when these issues interfere with nutrition, growth, or participation in daily routines. Learn more in our guide: When Feeding Problems Need Therapy

Common Causes of Feeding Difficulties

Feeding problems can stem from many sources, including:

• Sensory processing challenges

• Oral motor weakness or incoordination

• Reflux, allergies, or gastrointestinal issues

• Autism spectrum disorder or developmental delay

• Traumatic experiences with choking or tube feeding

At OrbRom Center, our team conducts a full evaluation to understand the cause and create a plan. We often collaborate with occupational therapists, pediatricians, and nutritionists to provide a complete support system.

Also explore: Sensory Diets for Children With Feeding Sensitivities

What Happens in Feeding Therapy?

Feeding therapy is not about force-feeding or getting kids to finish their plate. It’s about making mealtimes safe, positive, and functional. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, sessions may include:

• Oral motor exercises to strengthen lips, jaw, and tongue

• Gradual exposure to new textures and temperatures

• Play-based food exploration to reduce anxiety

• Techniques to improve chewing and swallowing

• Sensory integration strategies for children with aversions

Therapists work step-by-step, respecting the child’s comfort level. A child who fears new foods may begin simply by touching or smelling them—before ever putting them near their mouth.

We also use tools like:

• Chewable tubes and oral motor toys

• Mirrors for visual feedback

• Visual meal schedules and food charts

Each session is personalized to the child’s age, developmental level, and sensory profile.

Parent Training Is Essential

At OrbRom, feeding therapy always involves parents and caregivers. We provide coaching on:

• Mealtime routines and consistency

• Positive reinforcement (no bribing or punishing)

• How to offer new foods alongside preferred items

• Creating a calm environment with minimal distractions

We also provide tips for using sensory-friendly tools at home to build comfort around food and table routines.

When needed, we can refer for developmental assessments or occupational therapy if fine motor or behavioral components are also involved.

Feeding Therapy vs. Picky Eating

It’s normal for toddlers to be selective. But if picky eating:

• Persists beyond age 3

• Includes refusal of entire food groups

• Causes daily conflict or stress

• Impacts growth or energy levels

…then feeding therapy should be considered.

Also read: Tips for Parents of Picky Eaters

Why Choose OrbRom Center for Feeding Therapy?

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our therapists are trained in both speech-language pathology and feeding strategies. We offer:

• One-on-one, child-led therapy in a supportive space

• Sensory-informed techniques

• Collaboration with doctors, dietitians, and teachers

• Bilingual support (Khmer and English)

• Family education for lasting results

Mealtimes should not be a battle. We help families turn stress into progress—one bite at a time.

Final Thoughts: Eating Is a Skill That Can Be Learned

Whether your child eats only white foods or struggles with swallowing safely, feeding therapy can help. At OrbRom Center, we offer compassionate, professional speech and feeding therapy in Phnom Penh—because every child deserves to eat confidently, safely, and with joy.

Get started with feeding therapy at OrbRom Center