Feeding Assessment and Intervention Clinic

Supporting safer, more confident and positive mealtimes for children and their families.

The Pepper Kids Therapy Feeding Assessment & Intervention Clinic is a specialised, family-centred service for children and young people aged 0–18 years who experience challenges with eating, drinking or mealtimes.

Our Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists work together to understand the whole picture, including your child’s sensory processing, oral motor skills, development, routines and mealtime environment.

Our goal is to help children build feeding skills and feel more comfortable with food, while giving families practical strategies to reduce stress and create positive mealtime experiences.

Who may benefit from the Feeding Clinic?

The clinic may be suitable for children who experience:

Picky, fussy or highly selective eating
A limited range of accepted foods
Food refusal or avoidant/restrictive eating patterns
Sensory sensitivities related to food, including textures, smells, tastes or appearance
Difficulty progressing to solids or age-appropriate food textures
Oral motor challenges affecting eating or drinking
Feeding aversion or anxiety around food
Stress, conflict or distress during mealtimes
Challenges with posture, utensils or independently participating in meals
Feeding difficulties associated with developmental differences or disability, including Autism Spectrum Disorder or Global Developmental Delay

If you are unsure whether the clinic is suitable for your child, our team can discuss your concerns and help you determine the most appropriate next step.

What happens during the assessment?

We offer two assessment options so you can choose the format that feels most comfortable for your child and family. Both packages include the same key assessment areas and provide your family with practical recommendations and an individualised Mealtime Support Plan.

Entrée Package

This option includes a separate parent-only conversation before your child’s assessment. It may be a good fit if you would prefer to discuss your concerns privately or if your child may find a longer appointment difficult.

What’s included:

Parent consultation (30 minutes)

Talk with one of your child’s assessing clinicians about their feeding history, food diary, current mealtime routines and your family’s goals. This can take place by phone, telehealth or in clinic.

In-clinic screening (60 minutes)

Your child and family will join both clinicians for:
• A 30-minute observation of a familiar snack or meal
• 30 minutes of shared planning, practical strategies and parent coaching

Mealtime Support Plan (30 minutes)

After the appointment, your clinicians will prepare a personalised plan outlining their observations, your family’s goals and recommended strategies.

Preparation & documentation (20 minutes)

This allows your clinicians to prepare for the assessment, complete clinical notes and pack away assessment materials.

Estimated package cost: from $807

Main Course Package

This option brings the conversation and assessment together in one longer appointment, with your child present throughout. It may be a good fit if your family would prefer one face-to-face appointment rather than a separate parent consultation.

What’s included:

In-clinic conversation and assessment (90 minutes)

Your family will spend time with both clinicians to:
• Talk about your child’s feeding history, food diary, current mealtime routines and your family’s goals
• Participate in an observation of a familiar snack or meal
• Discuss practical strategies and plan your child’s next steps together

Mealtime Support Plan – 30 minutes

After the appointment, your clinicians will prepare a personalised plan outlining their observations, your family’s goals and recommended strategies.

Preparation and documentation – 20 minutes

This allows your clinicians to prepare for the assessment, complete clinical notes and pack away assessment materials.

Estimated package cost: from $904

Both packages are delivered collaboratively by an Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist. Your total package fee will be confirmed before booking based on the clinicians supporting your family.

What you'll receive

After your appointment you'll receive:

Practical strategies for home and daily routines
Personalised Early Intervention Support Plan
Recommendations for further assessment (if needed)
Guidance navigating supports
Option for follow-up
Recommendations for ongoing therapy if appropriate

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FAQs

Does my child need to eat during the assessment?

Your child will be invited to participate in a familiar snack or mealtime so the clinicians can observe their feeding skills and comfort. They will not be pressured to eat or try unfamiliar foods.

What should we bring?

Our team will provide specific instructions before your appointment. You may be asked to bring familiar foods and drinks, including foods your child usually accepts and foods they find more challenging. You may also be asked to bring their usual cup, bottle, utensils or other mealtime equipment.

What if my child does not eat during the appointment?

That is okay. How your child responds to the environment, food and mealtime interaction still provides helpful information. The clinicians may also discuss whether a video from home would provide additional insight.

Will we receive recommendations after the assessment?

Yes. Both packages include collaborative planning, parent coaching and an individualised Mealtime Support Plan.

Is ongoing intervention included?

Ongoing intervention is not included in the initial assessment package. If it is recommended, your clinicians will discuss suitable options, goals and fees with you.