Pre-Feeding Exercises: A Sensory Motor Approach

Course Description The goal of a pre-feeding program is to develop the underlying motor skills to support safe, nutritive eating. Pre-feeding programs often do not target specific motor skills because assessment has not included a task analysis of the clients oral sensory motor skill development. This course provides a theoretical foundation for developing a pre-feeding program based upon a task analysis of the motor skills for spoon feeding, solids, cup drinking and straw drinking. Functional goal-based exercises, applicable to a wide variety of populations, are also demonstrated. Although there is no prerequisite for taking this course, it was designed in response to requests for a review of the exercises demonstrated in the two day class, Feeding Therapy: A Sensory Motor Approach. Learning Outcomes Participants will be able to identify 4 pre-feeding considerations when planning a program. Participants will be able to demonstrate 3 functional exercises to support the following: spo