Section 1: Feeding Skills and Behavior

In this section, the development of feeding skills and behavior are reviewed. The approximate age that typically-developing children obtain each of these skills is reviewed.

Understanding the progression of feeding skill development helps the clinician to make sound recommendations about the types of foods to offer and about intervention strategies.

The next screens describe typical development of oral-motor and feeding skills. (These are intended to provide general information only.) Each stage is discussed in terms of:

Age

The approximate age that a typically-developing child might acquire specific skills is given as a reference point. The age may or may not be appropriate for a child with special health care needs.

Reflexes

Many reflexes are present to equip an infant for sucking and swallowing, and, as an infant matures, these reflexes fade. If these “primitive” reflexes persist, they can prevent a young child from acquiring the skills needed to chew foods with increased textures.

Other reflexes are protective and do not “disappear” with development. These include the gag and cough reflexes. If these reflexes are impaired or “hypersensitive” because of a medical condition, a child’s ability for oral intake may be impaired as well.

Oral-motor and self-feeding skills and behaviors

An infant or child’s readiness for types and textures of foods is dependent upon his oral motor skills and ability to self-feed. Again, with an infant who is developing typically, these skills and abilities are generally acquired as the infant gets older. Many children with special health care needs gain these skills at later ages.

Positioning

The child’s physical development and oral-motor skills determine the optimal position during feeding and eating. Improper positioning can prevent a child from eating or eating safely.

Appropriate foods

This section reviews types of foods or eating situations that are appropriate based on the skills and abilities described.