How does your approach to Feeding and Swallowing Therapy differ from compliance-based methods?

Our Feeding and Swallowing Therapy is firmly rooted in our philosophy of "Connection over Compliance," meaning we actively avoid therapeutic techniques that involve forced feeding or coercion. A compliance-based approach can damage the child’s relationship with food, but we focus on building positive associations and trust. Our therapists employ respectful, child-led strategies that emphasize slow exposure and voluntary participation to help children overcome eating challenges and develop safe eating skills. This empathetic approach is essential for long-term success with feeding and swallowing disorders.

What are common signs that a child in the Greater Houston area needs Feeding and Swallowing Therapy?

Families in the Greater Houston area should consider seeking Feeding and Swallowing Therapy if their child exhibits persistent signs of difficulty, such as frequent coughing or choking during meals, taking an excessively long time to eat, or refusing entire categories of food textures. Other signs include difficulty chewing, limited food tolerance (a highly selective diet), or a refusal to transition from pureed foods to solid foods. These symptoms can indicate a feeding or swallowing delay. We encourage parents to contact our specialists to discuss their urgent needs and initiate the assessment process.

Is your Feeding and Swallowing Therapy integrated with any Neurodiversity Affirming practices?

Yes, our Feeding and Swallowing Therapy is fully aligned with our commitment to Neurodiversity Affirming Care. We recognize that many autistic/neurodivergent children may have sensory sensitivities that contribute to their feeding challenges. Therefore, our approach is always affirming and respectful, ensuring that we do not pathologize sensory needs; instead, we work collaboratively with the family to understand the child's unique relationship with food. We strive to help children develop safe skills in an environment where their sensory profile is respected, not treated as a behavior to be suppressed.

Feeding & Swallowing Therapy | Speak Speech Therapy

We have been a trusted local provider of Feeding and Swallowing Therapy since 2016 in our service areas, including Tomball, The Woodlands, Spring, and Houston. We understand the critical nature of these needs for local families and are committed to delivering consistent, high-quality care. Our professional commitment is underpinned by our Core Values—Transparency, Empathy, Authenticity, and Understanding—which form the foundation of our local reputation. Our transition to a dedicated, clinic-based model ensures that we can provide focused, expert support for this specialized service.

The difference in our Feeding and Swallowing Therapy is our focus on creating a low-pressure, connection-focused environment. We know that food struggles often involve anxiety, and our refusal to use forced compliance techniques makes us a comforting choice for parents. Our services are tailored to the client's individual needs, values, and emotions, ensuring we approach the challenges with respect and patience. We are guided by the principle of helping each child grow and develop safe eating skills in a way that feels authentic to them.

How does your approach to Feeding and Swallowing Therapy differ from compliance-based methods?
Our Feeding and Swallowing Therapy is firmly rooted in our philosophy of "Connection over Compliance," meaning we actively avoid therapeutic techniques that involve forced feeding or coercion. A compliance-based approach can damage the child’s relationship with food, but we focus on building positive associations and trust. Our therapists employ respectful, child-led strategies that emphasize slow exposure and voluntary participation to help children overcome eating challenges and develop safe eating skills. This empathetic approach is essential for long-term success with feeding and swallowing disorders.
What are common signs that a child in the Greater Houston area needs Feeding and Swallowing Therapy?
Families in the Greater Houston area should consider seeking Feeding and Swallowing Therapy if their child exhibits persistent signs of difficulty, such as frequent coughing or choking during meals, taking an excessively long time to eat, or refusing entire categories of food textures. Other signs include difficulty chewing, limited food tolerance (a highly selective diet), or a refusal to transition from pureed foods to solid foods. These symptoms can indicate a feeding or swallowing delay. We encourage parents to contact our specialists to discuss their urgent needs and initiate the assessment process.
Is your Feeding and Swallowing Therapy integrated with any Neurodiversity Affirming practices?
Yes, our Feeding and Swallowing Therapy is fully aligned with our commitment to Neurodiversity Affirming Care. We recognize that many autistic/neurodivergent children may have sensory sensitivities that contribute to their feeding challenges. Therefore, our approach is always affirming and respectful, ensuring that we do not pathologize sensory needs; instead, we work collaboratively with the family to understand the child's unique relationship with food. We strive to help children develop safe skills in an environment where their sensory profile is respected, not treated as a behavior to be suppressed.