Developing a Comprehensive Feeding Plan for Young Children with Feeding Difficulties

by Dianne Koontz Lowman
January 14, 2010
Reg. 8:30 AM, Workshop 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Description/Bio: The focus of this workshop is to help teams develop a comprehensive plan for feeding children with oral-motor and sensorybased feeding difficulties. The morning session, participants will be provided with an overview of the components of a feeding plan, including working with the family, positioning, dealing with issues of respiration, sensory processing, and oral motor skills. In the afternoon, we will focus on the sensory aspects of mealtimes. Common behaviors, such as limited food preferences, refusal of solid foods, and extreme oral sensitivity, will be examined in order to gain a better understanding of the impact that sensory-based feeding disorders have on a child?s eating skills. Participants will identify a specific child and develop a written plan for intervention of feeding difficulties.

Dianne Koontz Lowman, Ed.D., is the Early Childhood Coordinator with the Training and Technical Assistance Center at James Madison University. She is a 1994 graduate of the University of Virginia, with an Ed.D. in Special Education. Her research interests are in pediatrics, focusing on working with infants, toddlers, and young children with feeding difficulties, complex health care needs, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. After spending 10 years in an interdisciplinary appointment in the Department of Occupational Therapy at V.C.U., Dr. Koontz Lowman has returned to her roots in early childhood and is excited to be providing training and technical assistance to early childhood personnel.

This training will provide 5.0 hours for the following:

• CPDUs (Continuing Professional Development Units) for teacher certification
• CDA (Child Development Associate) credit in area(s) #2
• CE credit for SLP, SW, LCPC, PT, and OT professionals

Full attendance is required to receive a certificate of participation.

In collaboration with Lincoln Land Community College.

Registration form for this workshop.