Pediatric Occupational Therapy & Feeding Therapy
Nourishing Growth. Sprouting Potential.
Welcome!
Welcome to Sprouting Pediactrics! Licensed occupational therapy and feeding therapy for families located in Calgary, Alberta.
Sprouting Pediatrics aims to provide compassionate and evidence based support to families facing feeding, eating and mealtime challenges. Mealtimes are a time for nourishment and connection and we want to help create positive and joyful mealtimes for your family.
Sprouting Pediatrics offers specialized knowledge in feeding, oral motor development and TOT's (tethered oral tissue). This provides a holistic evaluation of your child's feeding development and optimizes an effective treatment plan, guiding a successful start to your child's feeding journey.
Feeding challenges may be impacted by several factors and services not only focus on feeding, but on the child’s overall growth and development. Occupational therapy may focus on sensory regulation, fine motor skills, oral motor skills, sleep and play. Learn more here.
We're here to help!
How do I know if my child needs feeding therapy?
Typically, families describe their child as a ‘picky eater’ or report mealtime challenges related but not limited to:
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Mealtime behaviours (e.g. frustration or avoidance)
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Limited food repertoire or rigidity around food
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Difficulty progressing to new textures
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Current or previous challenges with breastfeeding
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Difficulty starting solid food
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Slow eating, pocketing food or swallowing food whole
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Sensory sensitivities or food aversions
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Choking episodes or frequent gagging
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Persistent reflux or vomitting
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Difficulty with motor skills for self-feeding
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Limited independence with drinking skills
We can Help With...
Feeding Concerns
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Providing assessment and intervention for challenges related to feeding. Read common feeding concerns here.
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Addresing the feeding environment, negative mealtime behaviours and creating positive mealtime experiences
Tethered Oral Tissue (TOTs)
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Collaborating with healthcare professionals to determine the functional impact of TOTs (e.g. tongue ties) on feeding and overall oral motor development.
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Recommending therapeutic exercises or interventions to support improved tongue mobility for feeding as well as pre and post tongue tie release.
Sensory Regulation Skills
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Incorporating sensory regulation strategies to address sensory processing challenges and support effective responses to sensory input.
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Creating a sensory-friendly environment to support regulation skills at home and support optimal growth and development.
Play Skills
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Facilitating play activities that promote social interaction, cognitive development, and motor skills.
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Addressing any challenges related to play engagement, sensory processing, or social interaction skills.
Oral Motor Skills
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Determining oral motor deficits, sharing and adapting exercises and activities to enhance oral motor skills.
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Implementing strategies to improve oral-motor coordination, chewing and swallowing function during mealtimes.
Fine Motor Skills
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Developing activities to enhance fine motor skills, including tasks like handwriting, buttoning, and using utensils.
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Implementing exercises to strengthen hand and finger muscles and improve hand-eye coordination.
Sleep
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Addressing sleep concerns that may be impacting a child's daily function.
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Developing strategies for improved sleep hygiene and overall sleep routine.
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Addressing sensory issues that may contribute to sleep disturbances.