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 to mealtime participation.
Feeding Conditions We Support
Selective Eating
Sensory‑Based Feeding Challenges
Oral‑Motor Feeding Difficulties
Mealtime Stress & Feeding Participation Challenges
Autism‑Related Feeding Difficulties
Restrictive Eating Patterns
Infant Feeding Challenges
Swallowing (Dysphagia) Conditions We Support
Dysphagia (Swallowing Difficulties)
Age‑Related Swallowing Changes
Neurological Conditions
Disability‑Related Swallowing Needs
Conditions Across the Lifespan
Infants (0–12 months)
Toddlers (1–3 years)
Children & Teens (4–17 years)
Adults
Older Adults
Environments our clients live and learn in
Feeding and swallowing needs occur across many environments, and our recommendations are designed to support mealtimes in:
Note:
We do not provide on‑site mealtime supervision or in‑environment therapy. Our support focuses on assessment, guidance and practical strategies that teams can use across their own settings.
Not sure which category your concerns fit into?
Feeding and swallowing challenges are complex — and you don’t need to diagnose the problem before reaching out.
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 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.