In this episode of Making Sense, host Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP, welcomes Jennifer E. Berry, MS, OTR/L, to explore how feeding skills develop within a Responsive Feeding Therapy framework. Drawing on evidence-informed principles of motor learning, motivation, and autonomy, they discuss ways to support oral motor skills, self-feeding, and self-regulation while respecting each child's individual abilities, experiences, and readiness.
The conversation examines how clinicians can create meaningful opportunities for exploration, practice, and skill development without relying on pressure or compliance-based approaches. Madi and Jennifer discuss the importance of following a child's cues, encouraging curiosity around food, and considering how the environment and individual experiences influence feeding development.
Through practical applications relevant to children with a variety of feeding differences, including those who are tube fed, participants will explore how to support skill development while prioritizing autonomy, felt safety, trust, and intrinsic motivation.
The conversation examines how clinicians can create meaningful opportunities for exploration, practice, and skill development without relying on pressure or compliance-based approaches. Madi and Jennifer discuss the importance of following a child's cues, encouraging curiosity around food, and considering how the environment and individual experiences influence feeding development.
Through practical applications relevant to children with a variety of feeding differences, including those who are tube fed, participants will explore how to support skill development while prioritizing autonomy, felt safety, trust, and intrinsic motivation.
Show more
Less
