Re: Oral aversion issues?? - Pat

[Guest guest]

Pat, just off the top of my head, and recalling some of the things

that were done with Max in speech therapy to help him get over the

oral aversion issues....

Flavor the ice water. Start out with just a little bit so that he

can barely taste it. As he gets used to it, gradually increase the

flavor. You may want to start out with something like lemonade

(powder form) so that he cannot see anything different at first.

Buy one of the baby toothbrushes that are either spongy or have

bumps on them. Try to rub the inside of 's mouth with it.

You can even use some of the flavors that he seems to like. What I

mean is that if there are any foods/liquids/puddings that he seems

to like the taste of, put a small amount on the toothbrush first.

If not, dip it in ice water. (I'll bet he likes ice water because

it is soothing to his esophagus.)

Always, at meals, put some sort of food in front of him, even if he

only plays with it. Eventually some will make it into his mouth

without his realizing it and he may just like the taste.

You can do the same oral stimulation with lollipops if will

let you go near him with them. But keep him in the high chair when

you do this. They can be dangerous to just walk around with. Try

the safety-pops for their loopy handle.

If will let you, try to rub the inside of his mouth with a

damp washcloth. If not, then dip it in the ice water, show him what

to do and let him play with it. If you model it for him, he may

tray.

No matter which of these things, if any, you try, if does

make even a tiny attempt to cooperate, make a very big deal out of

it. Really cheer him on. This will take a lot of practice and

patience, but if you are consistent and persistent he will probably

begin to get the idea. In other words, don't give up after a week.

It may take months, but he will get there.

Jodi Z.