This refers to a variety of oral exercises as well as sensory techniques to improve the child’s chewing, swallowing, gag reflex and food refusal difficulties. Oral exercises are used to strengthen the muscles of the mouth and prepare them for eating, drinking and swallowing. Sensory techniques include manipulation of the foods to improve the child’s oral awareness when feeding.

Breastfeeding and alternative methods of feeding is also targeted, providing support to the mother/ caregiver and teaching the baby the skills to successfully feed.