Young Children with FEEDING Issues and Speech Problems?
Is your child struggling with mealtime, or are you concerned they are not talking as much as their peers? It is common for parents of babies and toddlers to wonder if their child’s development is on the right track. Many parents do not realize that feeding problems and speech delays are often deeply connected. At Speech Matters Clinic, founded by Ashlyn LeLej, M.S., CCC-SLP, families receive specialized, boutique-style support to address these exact challenges. Understanding the physical and neurological links between eating and speaking can provide crucial parental guidance to help you navigate your child development journey.
THE INSEPARABLE CONNECTION BETWEEN SPEECH AND FEEDING
While a child can experience a speech delay without having trouble eating (and vice versa), there is a significant 40% comorbidity rate between the two. This means that nearly half of all children with a diagnosable feeding delay also experience difficulties with language development. This connection exists because both speech and feeding rely on the exact same neurological pathways in the brain and utilize the same physical muscle groups, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and jaw. For instance, premature babies often face a higher risk of experiencing developmental delays in both areas due to early neurological and physiological differences. When these muscles do not develop the necessary strength or coordination, it can manifest as both feeding problems and articulation issues.
UNDERSTANDING NEURODIVERSITY AND THE THERAPEUTIC SHIFT
Modern speech therapy has undergone a highly positive, “neuro-affirming” shift. Rather than attempting to “fix” or suppress atypical behaviors to make a child appear neurotypical, modern therapists focus on understanding how a child’s brain is uniquely wired. Neurodiversity encompasses conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Giftedness.
In a neuro-affirming model, therapies are designed to work with the child’s natural brain function. For example, a child with ADHD who fidgets or a child with Autism who engages in stimming (such as hand-flapping when excited) is not forced to sit perfectly still. Instead, a speech pathologist or occupational therapist will provide appropriate tools or allow safe self-regulation behaviors, recognizing that these actions help the child focus, process sensory input, and reduce anxiety. Supporting a child’s natural wiring directly benefits their emotional well-being and mental health.
PICKY EATING VS. PEDIATRIC FEEDING DISORDERS
It is entirely normal for toddlers between the ages of 18 months and 4 years old to go through a phase of being picky eaters as they assert their independence and establish personal preferences. Refusing a vegetable or preferring a single type of food is a typical developmental milestone. However, a normal phase becomes a pediatric feeding disorder when it actively hinders a child’s growth, nutrition, or social integration. Signs that a child is experiencing a feeding disorder rather than standard picky eating include: - Complete avoidance of entire food groups or textures.
- Extreme restriction to only two or three specific foods.
- Physical difficulty chewing, swallowing, or frequent gagging and vomiting.
- Excessive drooling after 18 months of age.
- Severe mealtime anxiety that prevents the child from participating in family dinners.
If you observe these signs, consulting a speech pathologist or an occupational therapist for a professional evaluation is highly recommended.
PRACTICAL FEEDING STRATEGIES AND EARLY LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT AT HOME
Parents play the most critical role in their child’s progress. Here are a few practical feeding strategies and language-building tips you can implement during everyday routines:- Let Play Lead the Way: Children’s brains are naturally wired to learn through play. Sit down with your child, let them choose the toys, and follow their lead. This pressure-free environment is perfect for natural language development.
- Provide Short, Specific Feedback: When your toddler points to a ball and says “ba,” do not just say “good job.” Instead, provide rich, specific feedback by saying, “Yes, that is a blue ball!” This reinforces their communication attempt and teaches them new words.
- Keep Mealtimes Positive: Avoid forcing or bribing your child to eat. Instead, expose them to new foods gradually, allowing them to touch, smell, and play with different textures without the pressure to swallow.
HELPFUL INFORMATION: SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND FEEDING MILESTONES
To help you determine if your child would benefit from an evaluation at speechmattersclinic.com, review these developmental milestones from their “Helpful Information” guidelines. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, but these markers serve as an excellent baseline.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER: ASHLYN LELEJ, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Matters Clinic was founded in 2009 by Ashlyn LeLej, M.S., CCC-SLP, a highly dedicated speech language pathologist with a passion for helping clients of all ages. Ashlyn graduated Magna Cum Laude from North Carolina State University with an undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders, and she went on to earn her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from East Carolina University. Since 2002, she has accumulated extensive clinical experience across diverse settings, including home health, inpatient and outpatient medical facilities, school systems, and private practice. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and has completed specialized training in the Debra Beckman Oral Motor Program, the Lee Silverman Voice Program, and numerous continuing education programs focused on Autism Spectrum Disorder, apraxia, and oral-motor feeding issues. Ashlyn established Speech Matters with the vision of creating a warm, collaborative, and highly effective therapy environment that delivers personalized, evidence-based care to every family.
GET IN TOUCH WITH SPEECH MATTERS CLINIC
If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language, or feeding development, do not adopt a “wait and see” approach. You do not need a pediatrician’s referral to seek professional guidance. Reach out to the dedicated team at Speech Matters Clinic to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and help your child reach their full potential.
The Clinic accommodates Telehealth appointments.
Address: 16147 Lancaster Highway, Suite 130, Charlotte, NC 28277
Phone: 704.307.9541
Fax: 704.540.1197
Website: https://www.speechmattersclinic.com/
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