CHOC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

The inpatient treatment offered by the CHOC Children’s Multidisciplinary Feeding Program is intended for children who have struggled with feeding issues and have not been successful with traditional outpatient feeding therapy but can safely swallow food a majority of the time. Children who participate in the program typically have either a G-Tube (feeding tube) or are at risk for G-Tube placement. Children seen in the feeding program have a range of medical and/or developmental problems including cerebral palsy, developmental disorders, seizure disorders, genetic disorders, oral motor dysfunction, short-bowel syndrome, food allergies or a history of prematurity. They may also have difficulty with sensory integration and behavioral problems at mealtimes. The multidisciplinary program includes specialists from gastroenterology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, social services and nutrition.