Seek urgent medical help if your child:
- is choking frequently
- has difficulty breathing during feeding
- has chest infections linked to eating or drinking
Call 999 in an emergency.
Call 111 or contact your GP for urgent medical advice.
Who is this for?
This service is for children and young people who experience difficulties with eating, drinking, and/or swallowing (dysphagia).
Signs of eating and/or drinking difficulties include:
- coughing on drinks, medication or other liquids
- coughing or choking on food
- difficulties with chewing skills, including preferring softer foods or taking longer to eat
- difficulties sucking on bottle, breast or straw
- unexplained chest infections
Signs of swallowing difficulties include:
- coughing
- gagging
- wet breath sounds or other changes to breathing
- eyes become pink or watery
- facial colour change
- looking like they’re struggling to swallow or taking extra swallows
What happens after your child is referred to us?
Your child will be seen in the environment that best suits their needs:
- Virtually (via video link), at home, in a clinic, or at their nursery, school, or college.
- If your child is currently staying in the hospital, they will be seen on the ward.
During the appointment, the therapist will:
- Talk through your child’s medical history and any current feeding concerns with you.
- Observe your child eating and drinking their usual foods or liquids in a relaxed way.
Once the assessment is complete, we will build a clear plan to support your child. This may include:
- Detailed Report – Your therapist will write a full report outlining their findings and recommendations. With your permission, this will be shared with other professionals involved in your child’s care
- Mealtime Plan – If needed, you and your child’s education or care setting will receive a personalized mealtime plan. This details exactly how to keep your child safe and comfortable, including safe sitting positions and specific food or drink textures to offer or avoid.
What support do we offer?
Universal support
Universal support is available to everyone and can be accessed without referral to Speech and Language Therapy.
- Advice for Anxious and Hesitant Eaters and Children with Limited Diets
- Child Feeding Guide – Practical advice to create happy mealtimes and positive eating habits.
- NHS Best Start in Life – Official guidance and tips for feeding and weaning.
Targeted support
- Information session / workshop for parents and carers
- Support around sensory differences, mealtime routines, anxious eating and how to encourage children and young people to explore and accept a wider range of foods.
- Advice and strategies for sensory-based feeding difficulties
- Resources to help parents and professionals understand how sensory processing can affect eating, drinking and mealtime participation.
- Training for education and early years staff (in development)
- Training to help nursery and school staff support children and young people with eating and drinking difficulties safely and consistently in their setting.
Specialist support
- Dedicated feeding clinics
- Assessment and support for children with more complex feeding needs, including difficulties with chewing, swallowing, food refusal, or a very restricted diet.
- Specialist assessments
- This may include assessments such as videofluoroscopy (a moving x-ray of your child swallowing) where needed, to help us understand how your child is managing food and drink safely.
- Specialist multidisciplinary support
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- Some children may also need joint support from other professionals such as paediatrics, dietetics, occupational therapy or specialist hospital teams.
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