Hi!
I am working with a little boy who is about a year old, developmentally (orally) is around 8-9 months. I gave the family the yellow chewy tube to practice biting/chewing, in addition to desensitizing gag reflex–instructing them to use with close adult supervision. The caregiver reports to me that his pediatrician told her not to give him the chewy tube as it is “too advanced for him”. My question: is there a particular age range for these chewy tubes? Is there any information I can provide this doctor to support the use of chewy tubes in the treatment of feeding for speech therapy?
Thank you so much!
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
I am sorry the child’s pediatrician is not as accepting of the chewy tubes. I have used the chewy tubes with much younger children so I am not sure why the pediatrician is opposed to it. It might be worth calling and discussing with him. Maybe giving him the website, blog link, and more information about it would be helpful.
The only other chewy tube that you could try that would be easier is the red chewy tube.
Please let me know if you have anything else come up or have any other questions. We are always happy to help.
Thanks,
Liz
Elizabeth Smithson, MSP, CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist who has over 10 years of professional experience working with infants, children, adolescents and adults. She earned her Master of Speech Pathology at the University of South Carolina. Liz is also a Level 5 TalkTools® Trained Therapist. She has received specialized training in Oral Placement Therapy, Speech, Feeding, Apraxia, Sensory Processing Disorders, and PROMPT©. Liz works with clients with a wide range of disabilities including Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She works through her own private practice Elizabeth Smithson Therapy, LLC in the home setting and in the TalkTools® office in Charleston, SC.
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14 Nov 16