The Connection Between Feeding and Speech: What Parents Should Know

Feeding and speech development are more intertwined than many parents realize. The muscles used for sucking, chewing, and swallowing are the same ones that help children form sounds and words. When feeding challenges arise, speech and language development may also be affected. Understanding this connection is essential for parents and healthcare providers seeking in-home swallowing therapy for children, as early intervention can make a significant difference.

How Feeding Impacts Speech Development

Babies begin strengthening their oral muscles from the moment they start sucking and swallowing in infancy. This early practice helps lay the foundation for speech development. Research indicates that children with prolonged tube feeding or oral aversions may have delayed speech and language skills due to reduced oral motor experience (Delaney & Arvedson, 2008). Proper oral stimulation through feeding builds the strength and coordination necessary for articulation, breath control, and overall speech clarity.

Why Early Weaning from Tube Feeds Matters

For children who require a feeding tube due to medical complications, early weaning is critical to avoid long-term feeding and speech difficulties. Studies have shown that prolonged tube feeding can lead to oral aversion, sensory issues, and delayed oral motor development, which may impact a child’s ability to speak clearly (Krom et al., 2017). Our Wean2Thrive program at Speech & Swallowing Specialists of KC provides pediatric feeding therapy designed to help children transition to oral feeding as soon as they are medically able.

In addition to the mechanical aspects of speech, feeding therapy helps address sensory regulation and coordination, which are essential for both eating and verbal communication. Our feeding specialists use evidence-based techniques to help children feel comfortable with new textures, temperatures, and consistencies, all while improving their ability to produce sounds more effectively.

The Role of Pediatric Feeding Therapy

Families searching for feeding therapy near them often don’t realize that a feeding specialist can do more than just help their child eat. Pediatric feeding therapy works on:

• Strengthening oral motor function to improve chewing, swallowing, and speech production.

• Desensitizing oral aversion to help children tolerate a variety of food textures.

• Building sensory-motor integration to support speech clarity and expressive language skills.

• Creating a positive feeding environment to prevent mealtime stress and encourage communication.

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How Wean2Thrive Supports Your Child’s Development

Our Wean2Thrive program is designed to support children with feeding difficulties in a holistic, step-by-step approach. Led by experienced infant feeding specialists, our team provides customized in-home and outpatient services to help children transition from tube feeding to oral intake while also supporting their speech and language development. Food therapy is integrated into sessions, ensuring that children not only gain nutrition but also develop the essential oral skills needed for speech.

If you're looking for speech therapy in Kansas City or need expert guidance on tube feed weaning, our team is here to help. Contact Speech & Swallowing Specialists of KC today to learn how Wean2Thrive can support your child’s feeding and speech journey.

References

• Delaney, A. L., & Arvedson, J. C. (2008). Development of swallowing and feeding: Prenatal through first year of life. Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 14(2), 105-117.

• Krom, H., de Winter, J. P., & Kindermann, A. (2017). Development, prevention, and treatment of feeding tube dependency. European Journal of Pediatrics, 176(6), 683-688.

Spring Cleaning Your Speech Skills: Fun Seasonal Activities for Kids

Spring has officially sprung, which means it’s time for some good old-fashioned spring cleaning—but we’re not talking about scrubbing floors! At Speech & Swallowing Specialists of KC, we believe spring is the perfect time to “clean up” speech skills with engaging, seasonal activities that help kids grow their communication abilities. Whether you’re looking for speech therapy in Kansas City or just fun ways to practice at home, these ideas will have your little one blooming with progress!

1. Scavenger Hunt Sounds

Take advantage of the warmer weather with a speech-focused scavenger hunt! Make a list of items for your child to find, each featuring a target speech sound (e.g., “r” for rock, “s” for sun, “t” for tree). As they search, have them say the words out loud and use them in a sentence. This is a great way to work on articulation while exploring the outdoors!

2. Garden of Growing Vocabulary

Spring is all about new beginnings, so why not plant the seeds of vocabulary growth? Have your child help in the garden or pretend to plant flowers while learning new words related to nature. A speech pathologist in Kansas City might use this activity to encourage descriptive language, categories (flowers, bugs, tools), and even sequencing (first we dig, then we plant, then we water).

3. Bubble Blowing for Breath Support

Blowing bubbles isn’t just a springtime favorite—it’s also fantastic for speech and oral motor development! Blowing bubbles helps strengthen breath control, which is key for clear speech. Plus, popping bubbles while practicing simple words like “pop,” “big,” and “up” is a fun way to engage little ones in communication.

4. Picnic & Conversation Starters

Plan a picnic in the park and bring along some conversation starter cards. Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s your favorite thing about spring?” or “If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?” This is a great way to build expressive language, social skills, and turn-taking in conversation. Need extra support? A speech evaluation near you could help determine if your child would benefit from speech therapy services.

5. Storytelling with Sidewalk Chalk

Turn your driveway into a storytelling masterpiece! Have your child draw a springtime scene and then tell a story about what’s happening in the picture. This encourages narrative skills, sequencing, and creativity—all essential components of strong communication.

Let’s Get Talking This Spring!

Spring is a season of growth, and with a little creativity, it can also be a season of speech and language development! If you’re looking for speech therapy in Kansas City to support your child’s communication journey, our team at Speech & Swallowing Specialists of KC is here to help. Whether it’s through a fun activity or a speech evaluation near you, we’re committed to helping kids shine in every season. 🌸✨

When to Seek Autism Diagnostics: Signs and the Home-Based Advantage

Early autism diagnostics can open doors to support! If you're searching for an autism test or expert guidance, CHAT KC and our specialists are here to help. #SpeechTherapyInKC #SwallowingClinicNearMe

If you're wondering whether your child—or a loved one—might benefit from an autism test, you're not alone. Many families begin their journey with questions about communication, social skills, and behavior. Early identification of autism can open doors to support, resources, and therapy that make a lasting difference. But when should you seek an evaluation, and what are the benefits of home-based assessments? Let’s explore the key signs of autism and why an at-home diagnostic approach might be the right fit for your family.

Recognizing the Signs of Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents differently for every individual, but there are common signs that may indicate the need for an evaluation. These include:

• Delayed Speech and Language Development – Limited verbal communication, a lack of babbling as an infant, or difficulty forming words and sentences.

• Social Challenges – Difficulty making eye contact, responding to their name, or engaging in back-and-forth interactions.

• Repetitive Behaviors – Hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating phrases (echolalia).

• Sensory Sensitivities – Over- or under-reacting to sounds, textures, lights, or movement.

• Restricted Interests – Strong attachment to specific topics, objects, or routines with resistance to change.

• Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties – Some individuals with autism experience feeding aversions or difficulties that require specialized intervention from a swallowing clinic nearby.

If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to seek an autism test through a qualified provider.

The Home-Based Advantage: Comfort & Accuracy

While many families seek evaluations in clinical settings, a home-based approach—like the services offered by CHAT KC—can provide a more accurate and comfortable diagnostic experience. Here’s why:

• Familiar Environment: Children and adults often display their most natural behaviors at home, leading to a more accurate assessment.

• Reduced Anxiety: Traditional clinic settings can be overwhelming, especially for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

• Family Involvement: A home-based assessment allows caregivers to actively participate in the process, providing real-life insights into strengths and challenges.

• Tailored Recommendations: With an understanding of home dynamics, specialists can provide more personalized strategies to support communication and daily life skills.

The Next Step: Finding the Right Support

If you suspect autism, early intervention is key. Families across Kansas City, including Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Olathe, Kansas City Northland, and surrounding areas can access top-tier services at CHAT KC, where we provide comprehensive evaluations and access to the best pediatric speech therapy and intervention programs.

At Speech & Swallowing Specialists of KC, our expert team connects families with the best speech therapists in KC to support communication and feeding needs, whether for children or adults. We offer evidence-based interventions to enhance speech clarity, social skills, and swallowing function. If you’re searching for speech therapy in KC, our specialists are here to guide you every step of the way.

Building Language, One Card at a Time – Looking for the best pediatric speech therapy in Overland Park, Olathe, or Lee’s Summit? Our team provides personalized strategies to support your child’s communication journey! #BestSpeechTherapistsInKC

Don’t Wait—Schedule an Evaluation Today!

If you’ve been searching for answers, now is the time to take action. Seeking an autism test can be the first step in unlocking support and services tailored to your loved one's needs. Contact CHAT KC by visiting www.autismtestkc.com today to schedule an assessment and explore the home-based advantage in autism diagnostics.

Need additional therapy support? Find the best speech therapy and swallowing clinic near you with Speech & Swallowing Specialists of KC—helping families thrive across the Kansas City Northland, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, and Olathe areas. Reach out today to learn more!