Swallowing, eating and drinking

Children are growing at a rapid rate and using up energy on a daily basis as they become more adventurous and learn about their worlds.

This is often an age when children learn to eat and drink independently, and learn to use cutlery. Offering a range of foods whilst making safe choices that match the swallowing and nutritional needs of an individual child, is an important part of this stage of development. .

To learn more about how we can support you, please contact our friendly team

Call 1300 888 378

How we can help

What we help with

Assessment of dysphagia (swallowing disorder) and other mealtime difficulties

Assistance with non-oral feeding (NG tubes, Gastrostomy)
Collaboration with medical teams to ensure timely access to the right services and supports
Information about nutrition and growth
Management of drooling
Mealtime difficulties resulting from oral sensory difficulties, such as sensitivities to the feel of food or drink
Oral and dental hygiene
Techniques to promote safe swallowing, such as positioning, food and drink consistencies and textures, different utensils

Who can help

Our highly trained and dedicated staff are experts in supporting swallowing and mealtimes for young children and their families.

You can work with our:

Occupational therapists with additional training in supporting children with sensory difficulties
Speech pathologists

How we can help

We offer a blended model of services to meet the individual needs of young children and their families.

Appointments may be arranged:

At your local centre;
In your home;

Funding supports

If you have a funding package from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), we can work with you to maximise the benefits.

You can purchase eating, drinking and swallowing supports using your:

Capacity Building budget
- Improved Daily Living

Capital Supports budget
- Assistive Technology

CPA Babies at Risk Program: A free short-term service provided by CPA, to children under 2 years of age, who have a diagnosis of, or are at risk of, Cerebral Palsy. Fundraising has made the program possible. The program aims to assist families in accessing NDIS funding. This service is in place until a NDIS plan is approved. Please contact CPA for information on what services are available under this short-term program.