The Feeding Monitoring Program (FMP) is an intensive feeding program grounded in behavioural psychology and applied behaviour analysis. Clients can be referred to the FMP if they reside within the Miriam Home territory and meet eligibility requirements for service. The FMP works with children and adolescents who present with feeding difficulties such as;
- Limited variety in one or more food groups
- Poor growth and nutrition
- Meal-time behaviour problems (refusals, tantrums, spitting food etc.)
- Selectivity/rigidities within feeding (by type, texture, presentation, colour, environment etc.)
- Fears and phobias related to food or eating
- Low appetite/poor motivation to eat
- Difficulties with texture progression
- Difficulties transitioning to oral feeding
- Poor self-feeding/autonomy
- Medical issues associated with feeding (ex. Diabetes plus low appetite and poor variety)
- Oral motor/safety issues related to feeding
Treatment sessions are delivered between 3-5 times per week for a maximum of 6 months. Parents, teachers, pediatricians and other key players in the child’s feeding are active partners in this treatment.
The FMP team is comprised of a Specialized Educator who is the pivotal worker. The pivotal worker works under the clinical supervision of the Feeding Specialist. The pivotal worker delivers the intensive feeding treatment working closely with parents, caregivers and professionals.
A Nutritionist acts as a consultant to the Feeding Monitoring Program and provides nutritional evaluation, consultation and recommendations to improve the health and growth of the child (as needed on a case by case basis).
An Occupational Therapist acts as a consultant to the Feeding Monitoring Program. Their role is to evaluate the child’s safety in eating (swallowing, positioning, adaptations needed to feeding tools etc) as well as identify oral motor issues/delays that may be impacting feeding.
The Feeding Specialist/Clinical Supervisor clinically leads the evaluation, triage and feeding monitoring program. They provide direct supervision to the pivotal workers. The FMP clinical supervisor/Feeding specialist establishes and supervises feeding objectives incorporating recommendations and goals from Nutrition and Occupational Therapy.
For more information please contact:
Nancy Silva
Chef d’administration de programme service à l’enfance (0-11 ans)
Centre Miriam, CIUSSS Centre-Ouest-de-l'île-de-Montréal
514 345-0210, poste 232
nancy.silva.miriam@ssss.gouv.qc.ca