Feeding & Swallowing Therapy · Bloomington-Normal, IL
Feeding and swallowing therapy for children, adults, and complex cases.
The Therapy Collaborative provides feeding and swallowing therapy for infants, children, teens, adults, and seniors — from picky eating and sensory-based feeding challenges to dysphagia, aspiration risk, and tube feeding support.
TTC screens each patient to determine whether OT, SLP, or a collaborative approach is most appropriate — ensuring the right clinical expertise is matched to each person's specific feeding needs.
Who we help
What we address
How we can help
Feeding and swallowing therapy at TTC covers the full range of needs — from early childhood feeding challenges to complex adult dysphagia.
Pediatric feeding therapy
Support for children and teens with picky eating, food refusal, ARFID, sensory-based feeding challenges, limited food variety, mealtime anxiety, and participation at family meals and school.
Pediatric swallowing
Clinical evaluation and treatment for infants and children with swallowing difficulty, aspiration risk, oral motor concerns, bottle and breastfeeding challenges, and texture progression needs.
Adult and senior dysphagia
Clinical evaluation and treatment for adults and seniors with swallowing difficulty, aspiration risk, coughing during meals, texture modification needs, and changes in mealtime safety after illness or neurologic events.
Tube feeding support
Support for tube-dependent children and adults — including oral feeding development alongside tube feeding, transition planning toward oral feeding, and coordination with medical providers around feeding goals.
Our approach to matching care
How we determine the right fit
Feeding challenges are rarely one-dimensional. At TTC, we screen each patient before scheduling to determine whether OT, SLP, or a collaborative approach is most clinically appropriate — rather than defaulting to one discipline.
This means patients are seen by the right therapist from the start — and when both OT and SLP expertise is needed, we build a coordinated plan that addresses the full picture.
Sensory and nervous system-informed feeding
OT addresses sensory processing, nervous system regulation, oral motor development, and the behavioral and environmental factors that affect a child's relationship with food and eating.
Swallowing mechanics and safety
SLP addresses the mechanical aspects of swallowing — oral phase, pharyngeal phase, aspiration risk, texture modification, and dysphagia management across the lifespan.
Complex feeding needs
When feeding challenges involve both sensory and swallowing components — or when tube feeding is involved — OT and SLP collaborate around shared goals and a coordinated treatment plan.
Who we see
Conditions and concerns we support
Feeding and swallowing therapy at TTC may support people with:
How we work
Our approach
Feeding and swallowing therapy at TTC is individualized, evidence-informed, and built around the whole person — not just the symptom.
Nervous system-informed feeding
OT at TTC uses a nervous system and sensory-informed approach to feeding — addressing the regulatory, sensory, and environmental factors that shape a child's or adult's relationship with food and eating.
Clinical swallowing expertise
SLP addresses swallowing mechanics, safety, aspiration risk, texture modification, and dysphagia management — with individualized treatment that adapts as swallowing function changes over time.
Family and caregiver involvement
Feeding happens at home, not just in clinic. TTC involves families and caregivers throughout — building strategies, coaching mealtime approaches, and creating plans that work in real life.
Medical coordination
Complex feeding and swallowing needs often involve other providers. TTC coordinates with physicians, dietitians, gastroenterologists, and other specialists to ensure feeding therapy is aligned with the broader medical plan.
The process
What to expect
Screening
Before scheduling, TTC screens each patient to determine whether OT, SLP, or both is the most appropriate starting point based on the feeding concern.
Evaluation
A thorough evaluation of feeding history, mealtime behaviors, oral motor function, swallowing safety, sensory responses, and daily participation goals.
Treatment
Individualized sessions focused on your specific feeding goals — with strong home programming and caregiver coaching built into every plan.
Progress review
Goals are reviewed regularly and the plan is updated as feeding function and participation change — keeping therapy relevant at every stage.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a referral for feeding and swallowing therapy?
A physician referral is required for speech-language therapy services including swallowing evaluation and treatment. OT feeding therapy does not require a referral. If you need help obtaining a referral for SLP services, we can help guide you through that process.
Do you offer intensive feeding therapy?
Yes. For children or adults with complex feeding needs or time-sensitive goals, TTC can discuss intensive feeding therapy options — concentrated sessions designed to accelerate progress. Contact us to discuss whether an intensive model may be appropriate for your situation.
Do you see patients traveling from outside Bloomington-Normal?
Yes. TTC serves patients from across Central Illinois and the broader Midwest. For patients traveling for feeding therapy, we can discuss scheduling options and home programming to support carryover after sessions.
How long does feeding therapy typically take?
Duration varies depending on the complexity of the concern and the patient's goals. For sensory-based feeding challenges, many children at TTC make meaningful progress within approximately six sessions. More complex feeding needs, swallowing concerns, or tube-dependent patients typically require longer-term support. Your therapist will discuss realistic expectations during the evaluation.
The right feeding support starts with the right clinical match.
Whether your child struggles with picky eating, your loved one has swallowing concerns, or you need support with tube feeding — TTC can help you find the right starting point.