Strengths-based approach for pediatric feeding

Kurowski-Burt, A., & Corbett Miller, C. (2022) Strengths-based approach for pediatric feeding, SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 7(4).

Pediatric feeding disorder is defined by "impaired oral intake that is not age appropriate, and is associated with medical, nutritional, feeding skills, and/ or psychosocial dysfunction" (Estrem et al., 2022, p. 46). Prevalence for disordered feeding is seen in 25% of all children and in 90% of children with disabilities (Estrem et al., 2018; Maynard et al., 2020). Disordered feeding for children can present in many ways, such as food selectivity, dysphagia, sensory issues, structural issues, gastrointestinal issues, and impaired motor control. Effective, evidence-based feeding assessments utilizing an interdisciplinary team-based, family-centered, strengths-based approach have been markedly successful for optimal outcomes for children and their families (Sharp et al., 2017).