The Little Years Therapy Co.

Upcoming groups!! Sign up here https://thelittleyearstherapyco.clientsecure.me

I heard you working mamas 🫶🏼 Let’s get you and your little ones social!!!!

Use the link in bio to register or DM me to sign up!

🌟Calling all Caregivers and Babies & Toddlers! 🌟

Join us for a fun 30 minute class designed to enhance your child’s language, motor, and cognitive skills through music, movement and sensory play!

Who: Led by a SLP and Music Therapist for children ages 0-4 years of age accompanied by a caregiver.

When: Classes start June 21st at 9:30am for ages 0-2 years and 10am for ages 2-4 years and will run every Friday!

Where: The Little Years Therapy Co. 4320 W El Prado Blvd. Suite 20 Tampa, FL 33629

How: Register for class at the link in our bio, DM, email, or call us for more info!

Take home activities and carryover strategies to continue the fun after every class!

We can’t wait to meet you! 😊

As Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Month comes to a close, let’s remember that awareness is just the beginning.

Did you know that the prevalence of Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) is estimated to affect between 1 in 23 to 1 in 37 children under the age of 5 annually in the United States?

This staggering statistic emphasizes the importance of early identification, intervention, and support for these children and their families.

Let’s continue to advocate, educate, and empower one another to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by PFD.

Wanna chat? DM or contact us via our website at the link in our bio! We’re here for you 🩷

🥑🍎🥒 Join us as we wrap up Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Month with a united effort from Florida’s feeding therapists!

From the east coast to the west coast, we’re coming together to raise awareness, provide education, and support families. Let’s make a difference in the lives of children with PFD.

DM us with your questions!! 📲

The ICFQ 6 question screener is used as a screening tool to identify and differentiate between children and/or infants who may be challenged by eating.

Utilize this easy screening tool to determine if you should seek a referral from your Pediatrician for a full feeding evaluation provided by a Feeding Specialist.
Early detection is KEY and the first step to treatment is identification.

Take the screener and have more questions or want help? DM us or contact us via the link in our bio.

We’re here for you! 🫶🏻

Pediatric feeding disorders occur when a child experiences significant challenges with eating, drinking, or swallowing that interfere with their growth, development, and overall well-being. These disorders are complex and can stem from a variety of underlying factors. To better understand them, we often examine four key domains:

1. Medical: The medical domain involves assessing any medical conditions or issues that may impact a child's ability to eat or swallow. Examples include, but are not limited to, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory issues, or neurological conditions like cerebral palsy. Addressing these medical concerns is crucial in developing a comprehensive treatment plan.

2. Psychosocial: The psychosocial domain focuses on the emotional and behavioral aspects of feeding. Children may develop anxiety, aversions, or other psychological barriers to eating due to past negative experiences, sensory sensitivities, or environmental factors. Understanding and addressing these concerns is essential for promoting a positive feeding environment and improving the child's relationship with food.

3. Nutrition: Nutrition plays a vital role in a child's growth and development. Children with feeding disorders may struggle to consume adequate nutrients, leading to nutritional deficiencies and growth delays. Evaluating the child's nutritional status and dietary intake is crucial for devising a nutritionally balanced feeding plan tailored to their individual needs.

4. Feeding Skill: This domain encompasses the physical aspects of feeding, including oral motor skills, coordination, and swallowing abilities. Children with feeding disorders may have difficulty with sucking, chewing, or swallowing, which can impact their ability to consume food safely and effectively. Feeding therapy is pursued to intervene with feeding skills develop based on individual needs.

🍼🍽️⭐️May is Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Month! 🍼🍽️⭐️

Did you know that May is dedicated to raising awareness about Pediatric Feeding Disorders?

Pediatric Feeding Disorders can affect children of all ages, from infancy through childhood. They can manifest in various ways, including difficulty breastfeeding, transitioning to solid foods, or experiencing aversions to certain textures or tastes.

Why is awareness important?
Understanding pediatric feeding disorders empowers parents to recognize early signs and seek support from healthcare professionals as soon as possible. Early intervention is key to helping children develop healthy eating habits and reaching their full potential.

Follow along during the month of May as we shed light on pediatric feeding disorders. Stay tuned for tips, resources, and real-life stories throughout the month!

NOW ENROLLING!!!

Little Bites Intro to Solids class will be a 4 week series every Friday morning from 9:00AM to 10:30AM.

Tuition will include a gift basket of feeding materials to use in class and at home!! Oral motor tools, cups, straws, spoons, and more!

Baby must be at minimum 6 months of age and showing signs of readiness for solids introduction.

Signs of Readiness?
- Holding their head up
- Sitting up with support
- Showing interest in your foods
- Opening mouth for hands or feet while watching you eat
- Reaching for objects and grasping them in nearby areas
- Bringing hands or objects to mouth

If your baby is not quite showing signs of readiness by 8 months of age, we recommend scheduling a private feeding evaluation prior to enrolling in Little Bites.

Little Bites Intro to Solids is not meant to replace or offer feeding therapy.

Ready to enroll? Spots are limited!!
Use the link in our bio to contact us via our contact form or DM us to claim your spot!

We can’t wait to meet you 🩷

We are finally in-network with all Aetna plans!!

Looking for speech, language, or feeding services AND have Aetna? We can help!

Visit our link in bio to get on our schedule!

Thinking about starting solids with baby?

It is important to note that the current recommendation from American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) is to wait until 6 months of age before giving baby anything other than breastmilk or formula.

Starting solids is an exciting time for babies and parents. Waiting until baby is showing signs of readiness can be the key to mastering strong feeding foundations.

It is important to understanding potential risks that may be associated with starting solids too early:

1. Digestive System Immaturity: Before 6 months of age, infants’ digestive systems are still developing, and they may not have the necessary enzymes to properly digest solid foods leading to discomfort, gas, bloating, and potential digestive issues.

2. Increased Risk of Allergies: Introducing allergenic foods before 6 months of age may increase the risk of food allergies and sensitivities. The AAP recommends exclusive breast milk or formula until the age of 6 to help protect against allergies.

3. Nutritional Imbalance: Breast milk or formula provides the ideal balance of nutrients, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, for infants in their first few months of life. Introducing solids too early can displace these essential nutrients leading to a nutritional imbalance, potentially affecting growth and development.

4. Choking Hazard: Young infants may not have the oral motor skills needed to safely swallow solid foods. Introducing solids too early increases the risk of choking, as babies can not yet safely manage various textures.

5. Disruption of Feeding: Introducing solids too early may interfere with breastfeeding or bottle feeding schedules, as infants may fill up on solid foods and consume less breast milk or formula.

If baby is not ready yet, don’t worry, they will be soon! Be sure to save this post for later!

Need support or have questions? Send me a DM; I’m here for you!

Hi! It was time to formally introduce myself. If we haven’t met yet, I’m Samantha - the owner of The Little Years Therapy Co. and the SLP/Feeding Specialist serving the Tampa Bay community.

As a passionate advocate for pediatric health and development, I specialize in assisting babies who may be facing hurdles with feeding or mastering speech/language milestones. Every child is unique in his or her developmental journey, and I’m here to provide tailored guidance and compassionate care to ensure they flourish.

With my attention to detail and heart full of empathy, I’m committed to uncovering the underlying factors contributing to your baby’s challenges. We’ll work hand in hand to navigate these obstacles together and discuss other healthcare professionals that may be beneficial to your child’s developmental journey.

My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices that are play-based, child-led, and neurodiversity affirming, but above all, grounded in understanding. I believe in fostering a supportive environment where you, as parents, feel empowered and equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to nurture your child’s growth.

I firmly believe that a child’s progress is determined through a family’s ability to carry over strategies to maximize functionality, not through long-term or ‘extra’ hours of therapy time. I pour my knowledge and support into your family so that your child can return to being exactly what they should be doing at their age - being a kid!

Your baby’s well-being is at the forefront of everything we do here at The Little Years Therapy Co.

💌 Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have. I’m here for you!

⭐️🌈Bringing Awareness AND Acceptance today for World Autism Day!🌈⭐️

Autism Awareness:

What is Autism? Autism is a neurodevelopment disability that is comprised of differences in 3 separate areas 1. Language & Communication 2. Socialization 3. Interests, Routines, & Sensory Processing

Now referred to the Autism Spectrum, the spectrum is not linear. The spectrum represents a range of how various key differences present and the varying degree of support needed.

A few signs of Autism may include:
- Delayed speaking
- Loss of words
- Echolalia or scripting
- Decreased gestures
- Decreased joint attention
- Preference in playing alone
- Struggles to make or keep friends
- Flat or exaggerated facial expressions
- Play is repeated or copied
- Preference for sameness
- Strong preferred toys or topics
- Sensitivity to light, taste or sound
- Brand specific food preferences
- Limited accepted foods based on taste, smell, or texture

How to offer Autism Acceptance:

1. Offer & accept all forms of communication
2. Provide sensory accomodations with acceptance of sensory behaviors
3. Provide self-advocacy opportunities and teaching tools to promote use of self-advocacy
4. Nurture and celebrate specific interests
5. Support social skills at child’s level with comfort as the priority
6. Offer neurodiversity affirming care in ALL environments

The goal is to support a child as they are, not change them!

Not all children with Autism will need Speech, Feeding, or Occupational Therapy services but I encourage all parents to seek an evaluation to determine possible needs and optimal support!

🌟ITS LAUNCH DAY🌟

Nourishing Little Ones is available for purchase on our website!

Are you a parent or caregiver dealing with the challenges of pediatric feeding disorders? Are you a professional seeking valuable insights and resources to support your clients?

Inside, you’ll discover:
✅ Understanding Pediatric Feeding Disorder
✅ Practical Tips for Managing Mealtime Challenges
✅ Working Collaboratively with Healthcare Professionals
✅ Emotional Support for Families
✅ Feeding Development Charts
✅ Over 5 pages of carefully curated resources to continue building your knowledge when it comes to your child’s feeding development
And so much more!

By offering guidance and reassurance, Nourishing Little Ones aims to alleviate some of the uncertainty and challenges that parents may face by instilling confidence to make informed decisions and feel supported in offering positive feeding experiences for their children. Through collaboration, education, knowledge and support, we can work together to ensure that every child receives the care and attention they deserve on their own journey to feeding success.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to empower yourself with the knowledge and tools you need to support your child’s feeding development.

Click the link in our bio to purchase your copy!📲✨

Happy Easter to all who celebrate 🐣🐰🪺wishing you lots of chocolate, jelly beans, and family fun!

Did you know you could be practicing ‘feeding’ skills before ever introducing a piece of food?!

Pre-feeding skills can be practiced in preparation for eating and drinking and also can allow us to recognize when baby may be ready to safely start solids. Pre-feeding experiences define the path for development and enhance the skills needed for successful mealtimes.

Allowing your baby the opportunity to orally explore and build upon his or her pre-feeding skills will only assist in safely managing foods, drinking from an open cup, and supporting happy and successful mealtimes!

Have concerns about your baby’s feeding skills? Early intervention is key as it may decrease consistent food refusal, picky eating tendencies, or overall challenges related to mealtimes. Let’s chat!

So much fun hanging out with these wonderful ladies this past weekend!!

Being able to learn from first hand and having the opportunity to provide education to both parents and OTs about the wonderful products she’s designed for was a core memory/highlight in my career world!!! 🤩

Thank you Dawn and Allison so so so much for all of the laughs, good food/margs, ezpz products, and the opportunity to continue learning and growing!!! I loved ezpz products before but I sure do love them more now! 🩷

Shoutout to Angie too; so happy we could connect and have each other from Coast to Coast in Florida 🫶🏼

If you want to learn more about ezpz products or why you should be using them over anything else when it comes to feeding your child or your therapy child, DM me 😊

Hi!! Wanted to share a little more about what’s inside Nourishing Little Ones 🤍

Inside you will find 10 chapters with over 50 pages of content relating to PFD written in ways that are easy for you to understand even with zero background knowledge! It also includes 5 pages of carefully curated resources for parents to continue their journeys in learning and empowering themselves with all of the knowledge and confidence to advocate well for their children!

Mark your calendars for April 1st - Nourishing Little Ones will be ready for purchase on our website!

Comment “WAITLIST” to add yourself to the list and receive a 20% off discount code to use at checkout on launch day!

I can’t wait for you to get your hands on this and hear what you think 🫶🏼

🌟COMING SOON🌟

I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of this eBook, “Nourishing Little Ones: A Parents Guide to Understanding Pediatric Feeding Disorders.” It’s been a long time comin!

This ebook aims to provide parents a basis in understanding that are navigating pediatric feeding disorders with their child. As a parent, I understand the challenges that come with ensuring our children receive proper nutrition and feeling confident in advocacy. I whole heartedly believe in building strong foundations at home and providing education for optimal understanding and carryover.

Some highlights inside include:

🍎 Understanding Pediatric Feeding Disorders
🥣 Strategies for Mealtime Success
👩‍⚕️Working with Healthcare Professionals
📝 Resource Lists

Whether your child struggles with transitioning to an age appropriate diet, selective eating, food refusal, sensory aversions, or other feeding difficulties, “Nourishing Little Ones” is here build your toolkit and empower you with resources to help advocate for your child’s needs.

Stay tuned for our official launch on our website on April 1st (our first birthday)!

*It should be noted that this ebook is for educational purposes only and should not be used to evaluate, diagnose, or treat a child with PFD in any case. This does not provide an exhaustive list of possibilities and it is important to discuss your child’s specific prognosis with the respective healthcare provider. Please seek guidance from your Pediatrician first for various referrals needed if you have concerns about your child’s feeding development.

The Little Years Therapy Co. is a pediatric feeding, speech, and language service offering child-led, neurodiversity affirming, family centered intervention in homes, schools and daycares. Highlighting the importance and vulnerability of a child’s “little years,” it is our mission to create a haven of support and understanding for families navigating the delicate journey of early childhood feeding. Through compassionate guidance, functional strategies, and a warm, comforting atmosphere, we empower not only the little ones but also their families to build enduring connections and embrace a joyful feeding experience. 🤍

Please take a second to browse our NEW WEBSITE because WE ARE LIVE 💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼www.thelittleyearstherapyco.com (link in bio)

Shoutout to for her INCREDIBLE design work. Truly in awe of you 🫶🏼 If you’re looking for branding services or a website facelift, she’s your girl!! 🤗

🧠💬🍽 Brain Injury Awareness Day 💬🍽🧠

Did you know that brain injuries in young children can have long-lasting effects on their development and overall well-being? Here are some ways an ABI may effect a child:

Feeding Challenges: ABI can disrupt the coordination of oral motor skills needed for chewing and swallowing, leading to difficulties in eating various textures of food or managing liquids safely.

Language Development: ABI may impact your child’s ability to understand and use language effectively. They may have trouble following instructions, expressing their thoughts, or understanding concepts.

Speech Impairments: ABI can also affect the muscles and coordination needed for clear speech production, resulting in difficulties with articulation, fluency, or voice quality.

Here are 4 tips for prevention:

1️⃣ Always use appropriate car seats and seat belts when traveling with your child, no matter how short the journey.

2️⃣ Create a safe environment at home by securing furniture, using safety gates, and installing window guards to prevent falls.

3️⃣ Supervise your child during playtime, especially when they’re engaging in activities that could pose a risk of head injury, like riding bikes or climbing.

4️⃣ Educate yourself and others about the signs and symptoms of brain injury in children, including changes in behavior, balance issues, and loss of consciousness.

As parents, it’s crucial to advocate for your child’s needs and seek early intervention from a multidisciplinary team when you may notice changes in their behavior or development. Together, we can develop personalized strategies to support your child’s feeding, language, and speech development post-ABI.

Remember, progress may take time, but with patience, consistency, and expert guidance, your child can overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

🌟 Want to make introducing new foods to your little ones a breeze? Here are 5 easy and effective ways to expand your child’s palate and foster a love for healthy eating:

1️⃣ Food Art Fun: Transform mealtime into a colorful adventure by creating fun food art! Arrange fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods into playful shapes or designs on the plate. Let your child’s imagination run wild as they explore and enjoy their edible masterpiece! 🎨🍇

2️⃣ Kitchen Helpers: Get your little ones involved in the cooking process by inviting them to be your kitchen helpers! Let them wash, peel, and chop ingredients (under supervision, of course) and participate in meal preparation. When children are involved in the cooking process, they’re more likely to try new foods and develop a love for healthy eating! 👩‍🍳🥕

3️⃣ Grocery shop together: As you navigate the aisles together, involve your child in the decision-making process by asking them to help choose fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious items to add to your cart. Use this time to introduce them to unfamiliar foods and expand their culinary horizons. 🛒 🌟

4️⃣ Use Familiar Flavors: Introduce new foods alongside familiar favorites to make the experience less intimidating. Pairing new foods with familiar ones can help ease your child’s apprehension and increase their willingness to try something new. 🍔🥦

5️⃣ Lead by Example: Be a positive role model by demonstrating your own enjoyment of a variety of foods. Children are more likely to try new foods when they see their parents or caregivers enjoying them too. Share meals together as a family and make trying new foods a shared experience! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🥗

With these simple strategies, you can make introducing new foods to your child a fun and positive experience. Which of these tips will you try first? Share your experiences and successes in the comments below! 👶🍓

👶🏼🍼 Is feeding time a source of stress for you and your little one? Let’s work together to make mealtime a peaceful bonding experience! I’m offering free consultations to help first-time and seasoned moms navigate any feeding challenges their child may be facing. Sound like you? Lets chat!

Call 813.444.3622 or DM me 🫶🏼

👶🏼🍼✨ As a feeding therapist, I’m here to celebrate every milestone in your little one’s journey to developing essential feeding skills starting from the day he or she is born!

Here are a few highlighted skills that a child moves through in his or her first year of life. Watching a child grow and explore new tastes and textures is full of so many joyful moments!

If you are concerned about your child’s feeding development or feel like feeding is not at all joyful with your child, schedule a FREE consultation to chat about your concerns at 813.444.3622 or send a DM!

I can’t wait to meet you!

✨INTRODUCING ✨

The Little Years Therapy Co.
formerly known as SEE Therapies 🥹

Though I can assure you nothing has changed from a patient standpoint, it was time to give our services a face lift and highlight the true passions behind our therapy services.

Though this rebrand is highlighting the delicate journey of feeding in early childhood development, I am still dedicated to supporting your family with all of your speech and language needs along with empowering you with all of the tools to help your child thrive. Everything is exactly the same except for our name and brand elements 😉

Shoutout to for creating this beautiful brand representing my values and the important pillars of my intervention style; I will be forever grateful to you!! 🤍

Thank you so much for being here!! 🫶🏼

Finally settling down after flying solo night 1 of this week with some Monday reflection:

Today I am thankful for…

⭐️The opportunity to make a schedule fit my needs as a mom while my husband travels to support our family

⭐️The opportunity to witness grandparents cry tears of joy after hearing their grandson say bye-bye for the first time

⭐️The opportunity to play outside with my daughter enjoying the wonderful weather we’re having lately

⭐️The opportunity to watch my daughter hit every milestone all while fueling my passion as a SLP

I am so thankful for the ultimate work life balance; my biggest reason for starting my practice. So every call, text, check in, DM, comment, like, referral, share, or however else you’ve supported me, it is SO appreciated 🤍

Thanks for being here.