Making Sense of Responsive Feeding Therapy: Child-Centered Feeding Therapy

Follow the child’s cues for more meaningful feeding therapy.

Guest: Karen Dilfer, OTR/L

Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

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In this episode of the Making Sense podcast, host Madi Metcalf, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Karen Dilfer, OTR/L, to discuss child-centered feeding therapy and how it aligns with the principles of responsive feeding therapy. Together, they explore the importance of honoring a child's autonomy and share practical ways to implement child-led approaches during feeding therapy sessions.

Whether you're new to responsive feeding therapy or looking to strengthen your current approach, this episode offers practical strategies for balancing therapeutic goals with respect for each child's cues, preferences, and participation, supporting more positive and meaningful feeding experiences.

About the Guest: Karen Dilfer MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist, feeding specialist, and food enthusiast. She is trained in the Get Permission Approach to pediatric feeding and is privileged to spend the majority of her time as a clinician, working with children and families. Karen is the director of the feeding program at Amy Zier + Associates, a private pediatric therapy clinic in Chicago. She participates in research activities at the University of Chicago where she works in the department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Karen is a co-founder and board member of The Chicago Feeding Group, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families of children with Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) and advancing continuing education for professionals serving this population. Recognized as a leader in the field, Karen is a sought-after educator and regularly presents for advanced practice platforms, including the Early Intervention training program in Illinois, Sooner Start in Oklahoma, and national professional organizations such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Show Notes:

Contact Madi Metcalf: LinkedIn, Instagram, Function First

Contact Karen Dilfer: LinkedIn

Pediatric feeding disorder in early intervention: Expanding access, improving outcomes, and prioritizing responsive feeding

Responsive Feeding Therapy: Values and Practice

Chicago Feeding Group

Get Permission Institute