• Click HERE to get in touch. Alternatively you can call the Kite Centre on (02) 9056191 to speak to one of our friendly receptionist.

  • Once you’ve made contact and we’ve made an appointment, we ask that you complete an online intake form. This questionnaire will provide us with relevant background information on your child and their feeding history.

  • A thorough assessment allows us to collect all the information required to fully understand your child’s feeding presentation. The Initial assessment process consists of two parts:

    • Parent/ caregiver consultation.

    • Mealtime/feeding observation

  • Follow-up reviews are usually provided fortnightly alternating between parent coaching/collaboration calls and therapy appointments tailored to the individual child and their family.

Our Service

Caregiver Consultation

(Part 1 of initial assessment)

This parent/caregiver consult can occur in person or via telehealth. It provides an opportunity for families to connect with the therapist, share their story and discuss their child’s specific feeding experiences and concerns. It includes time taken to understand your child’s history and to review any previous reports provided by health professionals involved in your child’s care. Depending on the child’s age and reason for referral, this part of the assessment can be conducted separately to the mealtime observation to limit further “worries” around food and mealtime expectations. Alternatively, a single extended appointment (up to 2 hours) is provided for both the caregiver consult and mealtime/feeding observation.

    • Your child’s historical and current relationship with feeding/eating

    • Their current intake, assessing nutritional gaps, sensory preferences and feeding skills

    • Their medical history, and how this has influenced their nutritional needs, feeding ability and enjoyment of foods.

    • Their growth and whether dietetic input has been provided in the past

    • Where relevant, the impact of their neurotype on their eating experiences

    • Your child and family’s goals for their feeding journey

    • The completed online forms/ questionnaire you received following initial enquiry.

    • A video of your child eating at home

    • Your child’s growth History (usually available in their blue book)

    • Any previous medical and allied health reports

    • A list of any medications your child receives currently

Mealtime/feeding observation

(Part 2 of initial assessment)

The observation session includes an oral muscle assessment (including tongue tie assessments), mealtime/feeding observation as well as session feedback and advice. The mealtime/feeding observation occurs in person at the Kite Centre and requires both the caregiver and the child to be present. It can be arranged as a sperate session to the initial caregiver consult or consolidated into a single extended appointment (up to 2 hours in total) when deemed suitable/ appropriate.

    • Infant: formula or expressed breast milk. Currently used nipple shield/bottle/cup and utensils.

    • Child: A range of foods that your child eats well (ideally 3 different foods/textures) as well as non-preferred foods/ food textures. Drink from preferred cup/ drink bottle.

    • Toys, pacifier or fidgets your child finds comforting to support a feeling of safety and security.