ABA feeding therapy is a specialized approach to addressing feeding difficulties in children. It utilizes the strategies of ABA therapy to identify and modify specific behaviors related to eating. This evidence-based approach focuses on teaching new skills and reinforcing positive behaviors to increase a child’s willingness to try new foods and improve their overall nutritional intake. It can also help children with mealtime and table etiquette.
ABA feeding programs work by utilizing the principles of ABA therapy to identify and modify specific behaviors related to eating. This approach is based on the idea that behavior is learned and can be modified through a variety of interventions including shaping, differential reinforcement, and discrete trial training. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) work closely with parents to develop personalized treatment plans that address your concerns related to mealtime behavior and nutritional intake.
At Wellspring Learning Centers, positive reinforcement such as praise, physical rewards, and desired activities like playtime are used to encourage and reinforce positive feeding behaviors like eating all of the food on a plate, trying new foods, and eating non-preferred foods like vegetables. With consistent practice and support, children can develop healthy eating habits and overcome feeding challenges.
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Pediatric feeding disorders are a group of conditions that affect a child’s ability to eat and drink. These disorders can be caused by a range of factors, including behavioral and developmental issues like autism. Children with feeding disorders may have difficulty with oral motor skills, such as chewing and swallowing, or may be extremely selective about the foods they eat. This can lead to poor nutrition, growth delays, and other health complications.
Pediatric feeding disorders can be complex and challenging to treat, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach that involves healthcare professionals from different fields. ABA can be helpful in addressing the underlying behavioral issues that contribute to feeding disorders. This is part of the comprehensive therapy approach we provide. The skills learned in this domain tend to generalize to other therapy settings and help maintain behavior change across.
At Wellspring Learning Centers, we are proud to offer a high-quality ABA feeding program for preschool children and families in the greater Nashville area. Learn more about our next-level ABA center in Belle Meade and see how we enhance the feeding intervention process through a fun and professional environment.
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ABA Insurance Coverage
At Wellspring Learning Centers, we are proud to be in-network with the majority of major Tennessee insurance providers, including TennCare. Learn more about our ABA therapy coverage and discover how you can utilize your benefits to support your child’s ABA therapy needs. Please reach out to confirm insurance coverage.
In general, feeding therapy may be covered by insurance, although coverage can vary depending on the specific insurance plan and your child’s diagnosis. Some insurance plans may cover feeding therapy as a medical necessity, while others may cover it as a component of behavioral health services. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine the specific coverage details and any requirements for pre-authorization or referrals. At Wellspring Learning Centers, we accept a range of insurance plans and can work with families to determine benefits and navigate the insurance process.
Yes, feeding therapy can be effective for many children with feeding difficulties. Feeding therapy utilizes evidence-based ABA strategies, such as positive reinforcement and gradual exposure to new foods. The success of feeding therapy often depends on factors such as the severity of feeding difficulties, the child’s age and developmental level, and the family’s commitment to implementing the strategies and techniques learned in therapy during mealtimes. However, many children have shown significant improvement in their eating habits and overall nutrition following ABA feeding therapy.
If your child is experiencing symptoms of a pediatric feeding disorder, such as difficulty with chewing and swallowing, aversion to certain foods or textures, or a limited diet that is affecting their growth and development, they may benefit from ABA feeding therapy. Additionally, if your child has a medical condition that affects their feeding, such as reflux or oral motor difficulties, feeding therapy may be recommended to address these issues. It is important to note that every child is different, and a comprehensive evaluation from a feeding therapist or healthcare professional is necessary to determine if feeding therapy is appropriate for your child.
At Wellspring Learning Centers we provide both comprehensive and focused ABA therapy programs. Each program is tailored to the individual needs of your child and ranges in intensity from 10 to 40 hours a week.
This means the amount of therapy and level of parent involvement varies as well. Skill training programs involving discrete trial training and natural environment training can require several hours each day. Throughout the day and week, the goal is to create various teaching opportunities through play for your child so that therapists can prompt, shape and reinforce appropriate responses.
Parents will be required to attend bi-weekly family meetings and periodic training sessions to ensure generalization of skills learned during ABA sessions. These training sessions will also help you learn how to better support your child in their daily life.
Our ABA therapy center is located in the Belle Meade neighborhood and serves the greater Nashville, TN area. Our center address is 4515 Harding Pike Suite 114 Nashville, TN 37205.
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Complete our online form to begin your child’s enrollment in our ABA feeding program, and a clinical leader will get in touch soon to schedule a consultation.