COLLABORATION
FirstStages Feeding Specialists is committed to working together as a TEAM to treat the child with feeding issues. Teaming and unifying our message to the family is key to improve outcomes and to decrease stress. We desire to help unify our approach to feeding assessment and intervention as feeding therapists. We believe the research and evidence supports the benefit of an approach which seeks to understand the child's refusal cues and then guides the parent how to respond with family meal times and snacks that use the child's strengths and skills to drive improvement with oral feeding.
Pediatricians and Specialists
FirstStages desires to partner with Pediatricians and Medical Specialists for early identification of feeding issues, as research indicates this improves outcomes and reduces the risk for a long-term feeding issue. We wish to work with all members of The Feeding Team to unify our message to the family, as this reduces stress and facilitates progress. Find out how to use our "FUN" Screening Tool for early identification and training staff on what to look for.
We will gladly come to your office to team about a patient, discuss how best to collaborate and unify our message to the family, and to explain this method of therapy. We welcome the opportunity to give talks to your parents!
Clinic-Based and Out-Patient Therapists
Every setting for treatment of children with feeding issues can facilitate understanding the child's refusal and pleasure cues and provide opportunities for teaching the child the love of eating through family mealtimes and snacks. We provide on-site training and mentoring to feeding therapy staff. To find out more please contact us!
Early Intervention Therapists
We provide training and mentoring to early intervention staff on this child-driven and family-centered approach to treatment. Empowering parents and working within the child's natural environment and routine of family meals to facilitate improvement with oral feeding skills aligns with the early intervention method for service delivery and mission. We believe greater unity of approach among feeding therapists within early intervention will help to improve consistent and positive outcomes for children with feeding issues. To find out more, please contact us!
