What to Expect at a Feeding Evaluation

If you have decided to book a feeding evaluation, it helps to know what to expect. Here is how a typical visit works and how to prepare.

What an evaluation is for

A feeding evaluation is a careful look at how your child eats and drinks and why it is difficult. The aim is to understand the reasons, not just the symptoms, so that any plan fits your child.

What happens during the visit

An evaluation usually includes:

• A conversation. You will be asked about your concerns, your child's medical and feeding history, growth, and what mealtimes look like at home.
• Observation. The therapist watches your child eat or drink, when possible with foods or bottles from home.
• A look at mouth skills. This includes how your child bites, chews, and moves food and liquid in the mouth.
• Swallow safety. The therapist watches for signs that food or liquid might not be going down safely.
• Sensory needs. How does your child respond to different textures, smells, and tastes?
• Overall feeding development. How skills are developing for your child's age.

Children are not forced to eat. The therapist will follow your child's comfort level.

What to bring

• A list of your child's main concerns and when they started
• Medical history, diagnoses, and medications
• Growth information or recent weight checks
• A few days of notes on what your child eats and drinks
• Results of any past swallow studies or reports from other providers
• Preferred foods, bottles, cups, or utensils
• A short video of a typical meal, if it is easier to show than describe

What happens after the evaluation

You will talk through what the therapist found. You will then receive an individualized treatment plan with clear goals and measurable progress. If your child may need a swallow study or medical follow-up, the therapist can explain it and coordinate with your child's doctor.

Therapy itself is play-based and hands-on. It builds skills and positive mealtime experiences at your child's pace, and you receive a home program to practice between visits.

Do we need a referral or a diagnosis?

No. You do not need a diagnosis to ask for a feeding evaluation. Many families start by calling us or by raising their concerns with their pediatrician.

Cost and insurance

The Feeding Spot is a private-pay practice and does not bill insurance. Many families use out-of-network benefits and can request a superbill. Read more about paying for feeding therapy, or see our investment and payment details.

Next steps

To learn what feeding therapy involves, see what pediatric feeding therapy is. If you are still deciding whether to book, these signs can help.

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