GP Referrals
Feeding, swallowing & mealtime support for infants, children, adults and older adults
THRIVE accepts referrals from GPs, paediatricians, specialists and other health professionals for feeding, swallowing and mealtime concerns across all ages.
We provide clear communication, practical recommendations and timely feedback to support safe, coordinated care.
When to Refer to THRIVE
- selective eating
- restricted food variety
- sensory‑based feeding difficulties
- autism‑related feeding needs
- ARFID‑like presentations
- mealtime stress or refusal
- difficulty progressing textures
- concerns about nutritional variety (behavioural/sensory origin)
- breastfeeding or bottle feeding challenges
- latch or positioning concerns
- unsettled feeding patterns
- difficulty transitioning to solids
- coughing or choking during meals
- difficulty managing food, fluids or medications
- wet or gurgly voice after eating
- recurrent chest infections
- suspected aspiration
- age‑related swallowing changes
- neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson’s, dementia, cerebral palsy)
- difficulty sitting for meals
- sensory overwhelm
- behavioural mealtime challenges
- support needs across home, school or care environments
What We Provide
- oral‑motor examination
- mealtime observation (where appropriate)
- sensory and behavioural feeding profile
- swallowing safety screening
- texture and fluid tolerance assessment
- feeding therapy
- dysphagia management
- parent coaching
- mealtime participation support
- sensory‑aware strategies
- support‑worker and educator training
- assessment reports
- progress updates
- mealtime management plans
- NDIS documentation (if applicable)
- communication with GPs and medical teams (with consent)
Referral Pathways
Medicare EPC/CDMP Referrals
We accept Chronic Disease Management Plans (EPC/CDMP).
Rebate: $61.80 per session (Unless the patient has reached their Medicare safety net.)
A GP referral is required for Medicare rebates.
NDIS Participants
We accept:
- NDIA‑managed
- Plan‑managed
- Self‑managed
NDIS funding can be used for feeding therapy, dysphagia support, parent coaching, capacity‑building and reports.
Urgent Dysphagia Concerns
If you have concerns about:
aspiration
choking risk
rapid decline in swallowing
recurrent chest infections
Please indicate this in your referral so we can prioritise appropriately.
Need to discuss a case?
GPs are welcome to contact us to discuss suitability or clinical concerns.
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.