Eatability Feeding Services

Get to know Eatability Feeding Services

From Eatability Feeding Services's website.

• Our approach

  Eatability Feeding Services uses the SOS Approach to Feeding, an internationally recognised method where children are gradually exposed to different foods in a socially reinforcing environment and progress through 32 steps at their own pace. Therapy is play-based for younger children and focuses on typical feeding development patterns, while older children become 'explorers' learning about foods through experiments. Children and parents actively participate in sessions, and the feeding therapist builds a trusting relationship where children are never forced to do anything their body isn't ready for. There's a strong emphasis on parent education so you understand what's causing your child's feeding difficulties and how to support their progress at home and during mealtimes.

• Working with families

  Parents and carers are active participants in therapy sessions alongside their child and the feeding therapist. Education is emphasised throughout so you understand the cause of your child's feeding difficulties and learn how to support their progress. The team teaches you how to generalise therapy strategies from the clinic to your home environment, helping you support your child with improved eating and drinking skills, mealtimes, routines and any underlying medical issues. The service recognises that the parent-child partnership is central to successful feeding and mealtimes.

• Meet the team

  The team consists of five Speech Pathologists, all qualified from Flinders University and members of Speech Pathology Australia. Rachael McInerney is the Director and Senior Speech Pathologist with 20 years of paediatric experience, specialising in feeding difficulties, communication, and early language development; she has extensive training including work shadowing with international feeding experts and mentorship in the SOS Approach. Caitlin, Holly, Joshua and Zara are Speech Pathologists who are recent graduates or newly qualified, bringing experience with children with autism, developmental delays, dyspraxia and swallowing difficulties; they have all completed additional SOS Approach training. All team members are committed to providing holistic, tailored and strength-based care.