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| Starting Strong: The Importance of Early Feeding Services on Child Development |
| Monday, May 26, 2025 |
| 8:00 AM–8:50 AM |
| Convention Center, Street Level, 140 B |
| Area: CBM/AUT; Domain: Service Delivery |
| CE Instructor: Dena Kelly, M.A. |
| Chair: Dena Kelly (Focused Approach) |
| BEN SARCIA (Verbal Beginnings) |
| STEPHANIE NOSTIN (SLP/BCBA) |
| CAROLYN BETH WITROCK (Attain ABA) |
| Abstract: Early intervention in pediatric feeding is vital to support healthy growth and development in children. It is estimated 80% of autistic children and 45% of neurotypical children struggle with feeding challenges. This panel, Starting Strong: The Importance of Effective Early Feeding Services in Child Development, explores the pivotal role that timely, effective feeding intervention plays in addressing feeding difficulties before they escalate. From enhancing oral motor skills and building positive food experiences to preventing inappropriate mealtime behaviors, early feeding interventions can profoundly impact a child's physical health, daily functioning, and long-term relationship with food. Our expert panel will discuss types of feeding challenges that signal the need for early services, highlighting the benefits of addressing them promptly to create a strong foundation for other areas of development. For many children, early feeding intervention doesn’t just impact nutrition or mealtime behaviors; it also supports progress in broader developmental goals, including communication, social engagement, and sensory regulation. These foundational gains can positively influence Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, including language, fine motor skills, and adaptive behaviors.
This panel includes four Board Certified Behavior Analysts—three dedicated to addressing feeding challenges (two are dual-certified SLP-BCBA and LPC-BCBA) and one who brings perspective as a parent of a child with feeding challenges. The discussion will highlight practical strategies for identifying feeding concerns in young children and examine the need for effective feeding interventions, as well as the long-term benefits of early support, including improved health trajectories and developmental progress. |
| Instruction Level: Basic |
| Target Audience: BCBAs working with children in the home, school, clinic, community. Other professionals working with young children. |
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to recognize and describe common feeding challenges in children, including signs that indicate the need for early intervention services.
2. Participants will understand how early feeding interventions can positively impact children's physical health, development, and progress toward broader developmental goals, including language and social engagement.
3. Participants will learn practical strategies for assessing feeding concerns in young children and gain insights into effective interdisciplinary approaches for implementing early feeding interventions in various settings. |
| Keyword(s): Early Intervention, Feeding Therapy, Pediatric Health, Skill Building |
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