Food School
Easterseals Central Alabama offers a multidisciplinary Food School for children with feeding and growth challenges. The program is led by both the Occupational and Speech Therapists and uses the SOS (Sequential-Oral-Sensory) Approach to Feeding, developed by Dr. Kay Toomey. In order to be considered for the program, the child must have a referral from their pediatrician stating the need for a feeding evaluation or using the code R63.31 (pediatric feeding disorder, acute).
This program is based on the “normal” developmental steps, stages and skills of feeding found in typically developing children. It works on motor, oral, behavioral/learning, medical, sensory and nutritional factors in order to fully evaluate and address feeding and growth challenges. The 12-week program includes individual sessions, and each child is accompanied by a caregiver. The therapists incorporate caregiver education and provide “homework” to try at home. The ultimate goal is for strategies learned in Food School to be carried over at home to reach feeding success.
The Food School program especially benefits children with a diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as serious sensory aversions (fruit, veggies, protein, foods of a certain color, shape, texture…) and/or oral-motor challenges.
Food School would not be helpful for children who only tolerate purees or is primarily tube-fed, has multiple food allergies (due to our prep area), or a child under 3.
In order to qualify for Food School, the registration fee ($50) and the feeding evaluation ($250) that are due are not covered by insurance, but please see the available payment plan. Sessions are billed to insurance. To learn more, call 334-387-3266.
Already enrolled and scheduled? Click here to download the ECA Food School Packet! Once completed, please submit it back into Easterseals at least two weeks BEFORE your first scheduled appointment. This helps the therapists plan and create the most individualized approach for your child.
Enrolled, but wish to learn more about the specific approach we will be using? Learn more: SOS APPROACH – explanation for parents
Download “Things to Know About Food School” here.
