Feeding Issues

Feeding and swallowing are some of the most fundamental ways we care for our children. When mealtimes become a struggle, it affects the whole family. Victoria Stockton provides gentle, expert guidance to help your child become a successful oral feeder, focusing on both the physical mechanics of swallowing and the behavioral comfort of eating.

By working with Victoria in your own home, your child can learn and progress in the environment where they are most comfortable—their own high chair or kitchen table.

Understanding Swallowing & Mechanics

Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorders):

Victoria provides expert support for children facing challenges as they transition to becoming oral feeders or those struggling with the coordination required to swallow safely.

Oral Motor Planning:

Some children have the physical strength to eat but struggle with the "sequencing"—the brain-to-mouth coordination needed to chew and move food.

Structural & Genetic Conditions:

Specialized care for children with Pierre Robin Sequence, Down Syndrome, or other physical challenges that impact feeding efficiency.

Sensory & Behavioral Milestones

Mealtimes involve all five senses. For many children, the "feel" or "smell" of food can be a significant barrier.

  • Sensory Processing: Helping children move past sensitivities to tolerate and eventually enjoy different food textures and tastes.

  • Expanding the Palette: Strategically working to increase the range of foods your child will eat to ensure they receive a wide variety of nutrients.

  • Age-Appropriate Independence: Assessing how efficiently your child can feed themselves and removing the obstacles—physical or behavioral—that stand in the way of their independence.

Specialized Nutrition & Dietary Support

Victoria has deep expertise in helping families implement and manage specific dietary changes, which can be particularly beneficial for children with:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder & ADHD

  • Food Allergies & Intolerances

  • Specific Protocols: Such as Gluten/Casein-Free, the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, or Anti-yeast diets.

The Path to Successful Mealtimes

The goal is never just "getting the food down"—it’s about nutrition, safety, and a positive relationship with eating.

Victoria’s approach includes:

  1. Identification: Pinpointing the exact physical or behavioral hurdle.

  2. Customized Planning: A roadmap that respects your child’s pace and your family’s lifestyle.

  3. Caregiver Education: Empowering you with the tools and strategies to support your child’s progress long after the therapy session ends.

"I was at a total loss of how to help my six-year-old son who was diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger's syndrome.

Victoria became a tremendous resource with her extensive experience working with children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. My son has difficulties with transitions and any changes in routine. Victoria expertly motivated him to stay focused. She worked with him at our dinner table in how to sit still, how to participate in "dinner topic" conversations, how to take turns in conversation, etc.

Using Victoria's feeding therapy, within an incredibly short period of time, my son now heartily eats varied fruits and vegetables which he completely avoided before.

Overall, we feel that he has made significant behavioral and social skill improvements. Thank you, Victoria!"