At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we use the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, a trusted and evidence-based method designed to help children who struggle with eating. Whether your child is a picky eater or has more complex feeding difficulties, our therapists use the SOS approach to make mealtime safe, positive, and successful.
The SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to Feeding, developed by Dr. Kay Toomey, is a play-based feeding therapy that helps children explore and enjoy foods at their own pace. It looks at the whole child — focusing on sensory, motor, oral-motor, behavioral, and nutritional factors that affect eating.
Rather than forcing a child to eat, the SOS method gently guides them through 32 steps to eating, starting with simply tolerating food near them, to eventually touching, tasting, and chewing a variety of foods.
Our SOS-based feeding therapy is perfect for children who:
Eat fewer than 20 different foods
Refuse entire food groups (such as fruits or proteins)
Have difficulty transitioning to new textures
Gag, vomit, or become upset around certain foods
Have a history of reflux, oral motor delays, or sensory sensitivities
Were premature or have developmental delays affecting feeding
At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, our speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists are trained in the SOS approach and customize each session to your child’s needs.
Our therapy process includes:
We assess sensory preferences, oral-motor skills, posture, and mealtime routines.
Each child’s plan focuses on sensory regulation, oral skill development, and positive mealtime experiences.
We use playful activities to help children feel comfortable around new foods without pressure.
Parents are part of the process! We teach strategies to reduce mealtime stress and encourage success at home.
Our goal is to help your child eat a variety of nutritious foods and enjoy mealtime with the family — without stress or tears.
Multidisciplinary care from Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapists
Experience with children of all ages and medical backgrounds
Collaboration with families, physicians, and dietitians
Therapy available in our Boca Raton clinic and community locations
If your child struggles with eating, feeding therapy using the SOS Approach can make a difference.
Contact Progressive Pediatric Therapy today to schedule an evaluation or learn more about our feeding programs.
We empower children, families, and the community to learn, grow, and celebrate every child's unique abilities.
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