Conditions We Support
Feeding, swallowing & mealtime support across all ages
Feeding and swallowing challenges can arise for many different reasons. THRIVE supports infants, children, teens, adults and older adults with a wide range of feeding, swallowing and mealtime needs.
Our multidisciplinary team provides speech pathology‑led feeding and swallowing care, with Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Behaviour Support involved when sensory, emotional or behavioural factors contribute.
Feeding Conditions We Support
Selective Eating
- limited food variety
- refusal of new foods
- strong preferences for certain textures or brands
- difficulty expanding diet
Sensory‑Based Feeding Challenges
- sensitivity to textures, smells or temperatures
- distress with messy or mixed foods
- sensory overwhelm during meals
Oral‑Motor Feeding Difficulties
- difficulty chewing
- difficulty managing textures
- fatigue during meals
- immature chewing patterns
Mealtime Stress & Behavioural Feeding Challenges
- refusal behaviours
- mealtime anxiety
- difficulty sitting for meals
- conflict or stress around food
Autism‑Related Feeding Difficulties
- sensory sensitivities
- rigid food preferences
- difficulty with change
- mealtime regulation challenges
ARFID‑Like Presentations
- avoidance based on sensory factors
- fear‑based avoidance (e.g., choking)
- low interest in eating
- significant restriction impacting nutrition or participation
Infant Feeding Challenges
- breastfeeding difficulties
- bottle feeding challenges
- latch concerns
- milk transfer concerns
- frequent feeding without settling
- early solids introduction concerns
Swallowing (Dysphagia) Conditions We Support
Dysphagia (Swallowing Difficulties)
- coughing or choking during meals
- difficulty swallowing food, fluids or medications
- recurrent chest infections
- wet or gurgly voice after eating
- food getting stuck
- weight loss related to swallowing
Age‑Related Swallowing Changes
- reduced strength
- difficulty managing textures
- fatigue during meals
Neurological Conditions
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Dementia
- Cerebral Palsy
- Progressive neurological conditions
Disability‑Related Swallowing Needs
- intellectual disability
- autism
- complex support needs
- mealtime safety concerns
Conditions Across the Lifespan
Infants (0–12 months)
- breastfeeding challenges
- bottle feeding difficulties
- early oral‑motor concerns
- transition to solids
- sensory responses to early feeding
Toddlers (1–3 years)
- selective eating
- sensory feeding challenges
- mealtime stress
- early ARFID‑like presentations
Children & Teens (4–17 years)
- restricted food repertoire
- autism‑related feeding challenges
- ARFID
- oral‑motor difficulties
- anxiety around eating
- school mealtime participation challenges
Adults
- dysphagia
- sensory feeding challenges
- mealtime anxiety
- disability‑related feeding needs
Older Adults
- age‑related swallowing changes
- dementia‑related feeding needs
- neurological conditions
- mealtime safety concerns
Settings We Support
Frequently Asked Questions
We support infants, children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Feeding and swallowing needs change across the lifespan, and our approach adapts to each stage.
A feeding or swallowing assessment explores what is happening during mealtimes, how feeding skills are developing, and whether any medical, developmental, sensory, or oral‑motor factors may be contributing to difficulties. It includes discussion, observation, and evidence‑based clinical reasoning to guide next steps.
Yes. Most feeding assessments include both Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy.
Families often seek support when feeding feels stressful, effortful, or uncertain, or when mealtime routines are becoming difficult to manage. If you have concerns about safety, comfort, skill development, or mealtime confidence, an assessment can help clarify what’s happening.
Yes. We collaborate with GPs, paediatricians, lactation consultants, dietitians, OTs, and other clinicians to support coordinated, consistent care.
No. You can contact us directly to arrange an appointment. Referrals from GPs, paediatricians, or other health professionals are welcome but not required.
You’ll receive clear information about the findings, along with practical strategies and recommendations tailored to your goals and routines. If further support or collaboration with other health professionals is helpful, we will discuss this with you.
We are based in Newcastle, NSW, and support families across the Hunter region and Central Coast, including Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Port Stephens.
Yes — we support self‑managed, plan‑managed and NDIA‑managed participants through our parent company’s (EduCare) NDIS registration.
Yes. We support families with early feeding development, including challenges related to coordination, endurance, transitions to solids, and mealtime routines. We work alongside medical teams and other professionals involved in your infant’s care.
Never. We use a low‑pressure, child‑led, neurodiversity‑affirming approach.
Yes — including neurological conditions, disability‑related dysphagia and age‑related swallowing changes.