FAQ
Q: How do I know if my child has a feeding and/or swallowing problem?
A: As a general guideline, mealtimes should be enjoyable for both you and your child. If your child is not gaining weight, refuses to eat specific food groups, has an extremely limited diet, and/or exhibits any of these additional SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS, it is likely that your child may be suffering from a feeding and/or swallowing problem.
It is important to note that feeding problems are estimated to affect up to 1/5 of typically developing children and 1/3 of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Parents should also keep in mind that many children labeled as “picky eaters” or as having “behavioral” feeding problems actually have underlying medical issues that interfere with feeding.
Click HERE to learn more about possible causes of feeding and swallowing disorders.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Getting started is a simple 3-step process.
Step 1: Contact us HERE or by phone at (707) 559-8308. A free phone consultation will be scheduled to discuss your questions and concerns.
Step 2: If appropriate, a formal evaluation will be scheduled. This evaluation will provide the clinician with insight into your child’s abilities and will be paramount in creating your child’s unique care plan.
Step 3: Complete the intake forms provided to you after our consultation. Please have these filled-out and returned prior to the initial evaluation.
Q. What happens after our evaluation?
A: If therapy is recommended, the length and frequency of therapy services will be determined dependent upon your child’s individual needs. Typically, sessions are scheduled between 1-3 times per week for 30 or 50-minute increments. In some instances, consultative services may be recommended where the clinician provides parent/caregiver training and education in the home on a monthly basis.
Q: What are the credentials next to your name? What do they mean?
A. Many speech-language pathologists have the credentials “CCC-SLP” after their names. This means that the therapist has been awarded with a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). In order to receive this voluntary and internationally recognized certification, SLPs must complete a masters degree from an accredited university, complete 1,600+ hours of supervised clinical experience, earn a passing grade on the required national examination, and complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain their certification. Those with the CCC-SLP credential meet the highest standard of excellence within their profession.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A. Blossom Pediatric Speech Therapy currently is a provider for Kaiser Permanente and is in the credentialing process with various insurance agencies. During this transition, Blossom accepts private pay in the form of cash, check, and all major credit cards. In return, we provide families with superbills. A superbill is proof of payment for services rendered including diagnosis and treatment codes, which families can submit directly to insurance companies for reimbursement.
SERVICES
Blossom Pediatric Speech Therapy provides feeding and swallowing therapy to infants and children in Sonoma and Marin Counties. We provide little ones and their families with the tools, training, and confidence to overcome feeding related challenges including but not limited to:
- Weight gain/growth
- Food selectivity and/or food refusal
- G-tube dependency
- Transitioning from breast/bottle to table foods
- Transitioning from purees to solids
Skilled Therapy & Evaluation:
- Initial Feeding & Swallowing Evaluation (includes written report and plan of care): Call for Quote
- Recurring 50-minute Feeding and/or Swallowing Therapy Sessions (in-home or virtual): $150/session
Picky-Eater Series (One-Time Visit):
- 45-minute Live Parent Training (virtual): $60
- 45-minute Interactive Consultation with Child (in-home): $90
RESOURCES
The Nutrition Pros – Sonoma County Registered Dietitian and Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Consumer Notice Child Safety Tips
Swallowing Disorder Foundation (Infants and Children)
Developmental Milestones and Feeding Skills Birth to 36 Months
10 Warning Signs Of Childhood Feeding Disorders
Communicating With Baby: Tips and Milestones From Birth to Age 5
Speech and Language Milestones
Typical Speech and Language Development
California Speech-Language-Hearing Association