Families often worry when mealtimes feel stressful or unsafe. At Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy in Mission Viejo, Jill Dews, M.A., CCC‑SLP, helps children build safer, more confident feeding skills. With more than two decades of clinical experience, Jill guides families with calm, practical steps that fit real life.
Feeding and swallowing therapy, according to ASHA, teaches children to eat and drink safely, enjoy more foods, and feel relaxed at the table. Progress grows with patient coaching, small wins, and strong teamwork between the therapist and family.
What Feeding and Swallowing Therapy Addresses
Feeding challenges can look different for every child. Some avoid textures. Others cough with liquids or tire during meals. Therapy begins with a careful history and observation, so we can understand the root causes and set clear goals.
Jill’s approach blends oral motor practice, sensory regulation, and mealtime routines. Sessions feel supportive and positive. We move at your child’s pace and celebrate each safe swallow, each new bite, and each calmer meal.
When red flags are present, Jill coordinates with pediatricians and specialists. If a child needs medical tests, families receive clear next steps and support throughout the process.
Recognizing Feeding and Swallowing Challenges
Parents are usually the first to notice patterns. If any of the signs below sound familiar, an evaluation can help you get answers and a plan.
Common signs to watch for
- Coughing, choking, or wet‑sounding voice during or after meals
- Refusing foods by texture, color, or temperature
- Long mealtimes or tiring before the meal ends
- Frequent gagging or vomiting with solids
- Trouble gaining weight or limited variety of foods
These signs do not always mean there is a serious problem. They do mean your child deserves a thoughtful look at feeding, comfort, and safety. An early evaluation can reduce stress for everyone and set a clear path forward.
How Therapy Works
Care starts with a gentle assessment. We look at posture, breath support, chewing patterns, and how your child manages different textures. We also listen to your story. Your knowledge of routines at home is essential.
Sessions focus on small, repeatable steps. We practice safer positions, slower pacing, and easy texture changes. We pair new foods with favorites and add play to reduce pressure. The goal is steady progress that your child can use at home, school, and on family outings around Mission Viejo.
Comparing Care Options
Feeding often needs a team. Here is how common services support progress and safety.
| Service | Primary Focus | How It Helps With Feeding |
| Speech‑Language Pathology | Oral motor skills and swallowing safety | Improves chewing, pacing, and swallow safety for meals and drinks |
| Occupational Therapy | Sensory regulation and seating | Supports calm arousal, posture, and utensil use at the table |
| Nutrition | Growth, calories, and menu planning | Guides safe variety, portions, and nutrient balance for each stage |
This teamwork keeps goals aligned. Jill partners with local pediatricians and school teams in Mission Viejo, so home and school mealtimes feel consistent.
What Progress Looks Like
Progress may be quiet at first. You might see longer calm stretches at the table. You might notice fewer coughs with liquids or more interest in tasting a new food. These are real gains.
Children build trust when they feel safe and heard. We never force bites. We shape success with small steps and strong family coaching. Mealtimes then become chances to connect, talk, and enjoy time together.
How Parents Can Help at Home
Parents are the most important coaches. Simple changes add up when done with patience and consistency.
Easy strategies you can use today
- Sit with stable support for feet and hips before eating
- Offer tiny tastes beside a safe, preferred food
- Slow the pace with a brief pause between sips or bites
- Use short, positive language like “sip,” “chew,” and “swallow”
- End meals on a calm note rather than chasing one more bite
Try these steps during everyday life. Practice at the table, a picnic at Oso Viejo Park, or snack time after a visit to the Mission Viejo Library. Keep sessions short and relaxed. Your steady calm helps your child stay open to new learning.
Safety First, Always
Some signs need prompt attention. If meals cause repeated choking, breathing changes, or poor energy, reach out to your pediatrician and an SLP trained in feeding. Therapy should fit medical guidance and your child’s needs. We work together to keep safety at the center of every plan.
Taking the Next Step
If mealtimes feel hard, you are not alone. Jill Dews, M.A., CCC‑SLP, has guided Mission Viejo families through feeding and swallowing therapy for more than twenty years. Her care blends clinical skill with practical coaching you can use today.
At Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy, your child receives a plan tailored to age, comfort, and goals. Parents learn simple steps they can use at home, at school, and when dining out in our community.
Ready for calmer, safer meals and a happier table? Schedule an evaluation at Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy in Mission Viejo and take the first step toward confident feeding.
Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy was recently voted “Best Speech Pathologist” in Ladera Ranch California, a fantastic accomplishment. Schedule your consultation today and see why parents love us!