Is Feeding a Struggle?

If you are worried or uncertain about a child’s eating, feeding and swallowing, the questionnaire below can help you to better understand and identify any areas of concern.

Considerations for Feeding and Swallowing Screening:

Who should be screened?

  • Any infant, child or youth with feeding or swallowing concerns (or as expressed or identified by their parent)

Who could initiate a discussion for need of a feeding or swallowing screen?

  • Parents, caregivers and healthcare professionals
  • Parents and caregivers are advised to talk to a healthcare provider knowledgeable about feeding if they have concerns.

Who could complete a feeding and swallowing screen?  

  • Parents
  • Healthcare professionals

 

Feeding and swallowing screening may identify the risk of pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) so that children can be referred for a comprehensive assessment. Screening is not a diagnosis. Screening is carried out for the purpose of early identification that can support opportunities for a diagnosis and effective treatment, counselling, and education (World Health Organization, 2008). Parents are advised to talk to a healthcare provider knowledgeable about feeding if they have concerns.

Multiple screening tools and methods exist to screen feeding and swallowing risk. AHS recommends the Feeding Matters Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire©:

 

Start

 

Start Questionnaire (interactive)

or use the Feeding Matters Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire © 6-Question Screener

 

Note: these links will direct you to Feeding Matters in the United States. After completing the Feeding Matters Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire©, please return to this website and click on Find Services to locate services in Alberta.


Additional Resources for Families: 

  • If you have questions or concerns about your child’s feeding struggles, we welcome you to watch the free online video series - Tips for Success: Getting Through Mealtime Struggles. You will find information on different topics related to mealtime struggles, as well as tips to try and resources to discover. We encourage you to try the tips while you wait for services from your local provider. 

Additional Resources for Healthcare Providers: