Tinygiants Explore and Thrive Feeding Clinic
We are delighted to Introduce: Tinygiants Explore and Thrive Feeding Clinic, a one-of-a-kind service dedicated to supporting babies and children up to the age of 16 who experience feeding difficulties. Our clinic specialises in children with rigid food preferences, restricted eating habits, and challenges progressing through different food textures due to oro-motor skill delays. We understand that these feeding issues can impact nutritional adequacy, growth, and the ability to enjoy age-appropriate meals or participate in family mealtimes.
At Tinygiants, we offer comprehensive evaluations to address a wide range of feeding concerns, from limited food variety or the exclusion of whole food groups to struggles with weaning from feeding tubes. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to creating individualised plans that promote healthy eating patterns and improve overall feeding abilities.
Please note, our service is focused on feeding disorders and doesn’t include assessing children with eating disorders, neither restrictive nor binge eating.
We are excited to help your child explore and thrive by offering the guidance, strategies, and support needed to develop a healthy, balanced relationship with food.
‘TinyGiants Explore and Thrive Feeding Clinic’ Pathway:
Initial Consultation:
- Schedule a consultation with our specialist paediatric endocrinologist Dr Ronnie Stein for initial assessment.
- This appointment will include:
- Screening for growth and development.
- Necessary investigations, such as blood tests, to rule out underlying health issues.
Initial consultation is not needed if your child was already examined and referred for the feeding clinic by a paediatrician.
Pre-Clinic Assessment:
- After the initial consultation, you will receive pre- feeding clinic assessment forms to complete including your primary feeding concerns for your child, your child’s medical history, medications, growth history and a food diary.
- These forms will help us understand your child’s specific needs and challenges.
Assessment Day:
- You will be scheduled for an assessment day and time.
- On this day, please bring samples of the foods your child typically eats and their usual drink/ bottle/ cup. In addition, please bring food that they may find difficult to eat/ swallow. Detailed instructions regarding the food samples will be sent separately.
In-Clinic Assessment:
- During the assessment, your child will be evaluated by a team of specialists, including:
- Speech and Language Therapist Alice Loughlin, for eating and drinking skill development and any swallowing concerns.
- Dietitian, Rebecca Bruce for nutritional intake.
- The team will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your child’s eating behaviour and challenges.
Report and Recommendations:
- After the conclusion of the assessment, the team will compile a comprehensive report outlining findings and recommendations for treatment and management.
- If anxiety is identified as a significant concern, your child may be referred to a specialized psychologist for further support.
- If further follow ups are indicated with either SLT or dietitian or both, your child will be booked accordingly.
Contact Us for Support
Contact us to begin your journey toward improved swallowing, eating, and communication. Our dedicated Speech-Language Therapy (SLT) team is here to help.