Responsive Feeding Therapy for the Medically Complex Child

In this episode of Making Sense with Madi, host Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP, welcomes Heidi Moreland, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC, to explore how responsive feeding therapy can be applied when working with medically complex children, including those with oral and pharyngeal dysphagia. While responsive feeding approaches are often discussed in the context of selective eating, their principles can also play an important role in supporting children with more complex feeding and swallowing needs.

Throughout the conversation, Madi and Heidi discuss the importance of incorporating responsive feeding principles into the care of medically complex children while addressing swallowing safety and individual medical needs. They share practical ways to honor children's cues, support positive feeding experiences, and apply responsive feeding strategies when treating pharyngeal dysphagia.