Tube feeding

For children with dysphagia, treatment involves teaching rehabilitation exercises or compensatory strategies to the patients/caregivers. We aim to work towards removal of the tube. We will work closely with the Dietitian to achieve it. However, more often than not, children who have been on long-term tube feeding may have developed feeding aversion and are hypersensitive to any taste or food/fluid in the mouth. These children may also be hypersensitive or aversive around the facial region. Therapy will include working to desensitise these children around their face and gradually work towards to mouth. We may do this through play or through clinician-directed methods. The aim and goal is to gradually teach and provide positive experiences to the child on their faces and in their mouths.