creating the best eaters in the family
Solutions for Feeding Challenges
Many families come to us feeling overwhelmed. The good news is—you’re not alone, we are experts and we can help. As holistically minded, medically trained SLPs we have helped many children overcome feeding issues that seemed insurmountable. Children that have started with as little as one food have grown to become the, “best eaters in the family.”
Picky Eating / Selective Eating
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How can I help my child be more willing to try new foods?
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How can I encourage my child to eat the same meal as the rest of the family?
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Why does my child gag when eating?
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How can I teach my child to swallow pills?
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How can I help my child learn to chew properly?
Tube Weaning
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How can I help my child transition to oral feeding?
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How can I encourage my child to enjoy eating foods by mouth?
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How can I get them to eat more food?
Transition to Solid Foods
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How do I know if my baby is ready to start eating solid foods?
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How can I overcome my fear of my baby choking?
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How can I teach my child to use a straw?
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Why does my child only eat puréed foods?
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What can I do if my child has an overactive gag reflex?
Challenges in Weight Gain
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How can I make sure my child is eating enough?
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How can I improve my child’s appetite?
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How can I encourage my child to eat more protein?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get started?
To begin the process, send an email to info@GreenLightSpeechTherapy.com with a brief description of your situation and needs. Once we receive your email, a clinician will contact you to schedule a discovery call.
Discovery calls are a key part of our process. At Green Light, we prioritize joy, positivity, and respect for every individual, big and small. Our commitment to these values is at the heart of our success. Taking the time to connect before beginning therapy ensures that we are the right fit for your family and that everyone’s time is well spent. We look forward to speaking with you!
What do the evaluations look like?
Evaluations serve two important purposes: first, to begin building a strong client-therapist bond so your child feels safe and supported, and second, to gain a deeper understanding of their feeding challenges.
Our therapists start by creating a warm and welcoming environment, taking the time to connect with both you and your child. As your child becomes more comfortable, the therapist will gently observe them drinking and eating, ensuring the process feels natural and stress-free. As the relationship grows, the therapist will complete an oral mechanism exam, where they will ensure all muscles and nerves are working properly to enable a safe and effective swallow. Our goal is to make this a positive experience while gathering the insights needed to support your child’s progress.
What do therapy sessions look like?
Believe it or not, feeding therapy sessions are fun.Our therapists are grounded in responsive feeding, meaning they follow your child’s cues to select the most comfortable and beneficial therapy path. By integrating highly skilled techniques into engaging activities, we foster shared joy, making progress a positive and enjoyable experience.
Parents of babies often thank us for not only making the process fun for their child but also for them; while older children look forward to feeding therapy and are excited to become food explorers!
What types of Therapy Approaches are used?
Therapists tailor their approach to best meet your child's unique needs, rather than relying on a single method. Green Light therapists are highly trained in a variety of techniques, including orofacial myofunctional therapy, sensory-based approaches, oral placement therapy, oral motor therapy, food chaining, and more. By combining these methods, therapists can provide the most effective and individualized care for your child.
How long does it take?
We understand that every child is wonderfully unique, and their therapy journey should reflect that individuality. While we can't predict the precise timeline, we're deeply committed to fostering consistent, week-to-week progress.
This commitment stems from our personalized approach: we meticulously craft therapy sessions tailored to your child's specific needs, and we thoughtfully weave in activities that spark their genuine interest.
Furthermore, we're passionate about ensuring therapy extends beyond our sessions and into everyday life. We believe in empowering parents and caregivers, so we prioritize open communication and dedicated training. We make it a point to connect with you, to equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively apply therapeutic methods in your daily routines. It's about building a strong, collaborative partnership, ensuring your child's growth is nurtured and supported every step of the way.
Once your onboarding clinician hears more about your specific child they will be able to provide you with a clear individualized timeline.
Do you collaborate with other providers?
We know how overwhelming it can be to constantly relay information between doctors and therapists. You’re already doing so much for your child, and we want to lighten that load. That’s why we believe in a team approach—working hand in hand with your child’s other providers to ensure every need is met and no detail is overlooked.
If your child needs additional support, we’re here for that too. Through our trusted network of professionals, we can help connect you with providers who truly care, so you never have to navigate this journey alone.
Let's talk!
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Service Area: The North Shore of Chicago
