Meeting/Event Information

"The SLP's Role in Understanding and Treating the Psychosocial Domain of Pediatric Feeding Disorder" 

Presented by: Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 7:00 pm

Course Description

Pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is more than a child’s relationship with food or their ability to eat. Feeding is deeply influenced by psychosocial factors, including anxiety, stress, past medical experiences, caregiver-child interactions, sensory and emotional regulation, and the broader context in which meals occur. For speech-language pathologists, understanding these factors is essential to providing effective, responsive, and family-centered feeding care.

In this presentation, Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, explores the SLP’s role in understanding and addressing the psychosocial domain of PFD, with particular attention to factors that may increase a child’s vulnerability to developing or worsening Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Rather than treating ARFID directly, this presentation focuses on how SLPs can proactively recognize and address stress, anxiety, negative feeding experiences, and other psychosocial factors within the scope of PFD assessment and intervention. Early, supportive intervention may help prevent feeding difficulties from becoming increasingly entrenched and may help reduce the psychosocial burden when more significant feeding or eating concerns emerge.

Through clinical examples and practical discussion, participants will consider how psychosocial factors can present during assessment and intervention and how SLPs can incorporate psychosocially informed principles into feeding therapy. The presentation will explore ways to support safety, trust, connection, autonomy, and regulation while reducing pressure and avoiding interventions that may inadvertently increase stress or negatively impact a child’s relationship with eating. Participants will also learn to recognize when psychosocial concerns extend beyond the SLP’s scope and when referral to mental health and other professionals is appropriate.

Grounded in trauma-sensitive, family-centered, and relationship-based care, this course encourages SLPs to look beyond what a child eats and consider the broader psychosocial context that shapes how, when, where, and why eating happens. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for integrating this perspective into PFD care while maintaining clear professional boundaries and supporting collaborative, interdisciplinary care when additional expertise is needed.

Schedule of Events

Learner Outcomes:

1. Identify key psychosocial factors to consider when assessing pediatric feeding disorder

2. Describe ways SLPs can incorporate psychosocial care principles into pediatric feeding intervention.

3. Recognize when a child or family may benefit from additional psychosocial support and referral to appropriate providers.

Lauren Thompson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, CLC, DIR/Floortime Proficient, is the owner of Well Fed Feeding & Swallowing Therapy in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Since 2012, she has supported infants and children with pediatric feeding disorder, dysphagia, lactation challenges, ARFID, and feeding-related trauma. She integrates trauma-sensitive, connection-focused, play-based care to create safe, joyful mealtime experiences. Lauren serves on the New Hampshire Speech-Language-Hearing Association Board as ASHA’s State Advocate for Reimbursement and is a six-time recipient of the ASHA Continuing Education Award.

Financial and Non-Financial Disclosures: Lauren is the owner of Well Fed Feeding & Swallowing Therapy.  Lauren is on the NHSLHA executive board and is donating her time for this webinar.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

(Please note: We are unable to offer refunds)

*At the completion of this course, attendees will be required to fill out a short self-assessment/survey regarding the learner outcomes presented during today’s conference in order to be reported to ASHA CE.