Feeding therapy for picky eating and ARFID in the Brick, NJ and surrounding areas
Picky Eating & ARFID Support
Skilled Support for Children Who Struggle With Eating
If you’ve ever thought, “My child won’t eat” or “My child only eats a few foods,” you are not alone. Picky eating is one of the most common challenges families face—and when it becomes extreme, it can feel exhausting and worrisome.
As both a pediatric feeding therapist and a mom, I know how stressful it is when every meal feels like a battle or when your child gags, refuses, or panics at the sight of new foods. Some children have severe picky eating that makes it difficult to get enough nutrition, while others show signs of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)—a feeding difficulty where fear, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities make eating even harder.
No matter where your child falls, you deserve support—and mealtimes can become calmer. I work with children of all ages (toddlers to teenagers), using evidence-based strategies to help them gain more comfort and confidence around new foods.
When to Seek Feeding Therapy for Picky Eaters
Your child may benefit from feeding therapy if they:
Eat fewer than 10–15 foods regularly
Refuse entire food groups (e.g., no fruits, no vegetables, no proteins)
Gag or spit out new foods
Become anxious or upset at mealtimes
Depend on snacks, bottles, or processed foods to get through the day
Struggle with weight gain, growth, or nutrition
How Feeding Therapy Helps Picky Eaters & Children With ARFID Symptoms
At Ocean Pediatric Feeding, our approach is gentle, supportive, and family-centered. Together, we’ll:
Identify your child’s safe foods and gently expand from there
Use food chaining and play-based strategies to increase comfort with new foods
Support your child in building confidence at the table without pressure
Give you practical tools to reduce mealtime stress and power struggles
Focus on nutrition and growth while protecting your child’s relationship with food
For children with feeding anxiety or ARFID symptoms, therapy provides a safe space to work through fear while slowly building trust in new foods.
Pediatric Feeding Therapy That Supports the Whole Family
Sarah Auriemma, M.S., CCC-SLP Founder & Pediatric Feeding Specialist
If you’re here, feeding your child probably feels like the hardest part of your day, the stress, the second-guessing, the mom guilt.
As a pediatric feeding therapist (and former picky eater myself!), I get it. I've supported families through the challenges of severe picky eating and/or ARFID-related feeding difficulties.
Using my 3C Framework (Clarity, Connection & Coaching), a clear, compassionate approach that helps you unravel what's really happening at mealtimes and provides the calm, steady support you've been searching for.
Because my mission isn’t just about helping kids eat better. It’s about helping your whole family find joy at the table again by turning stressful mealtimes into moments of connection and progress.
Ways That I Can Support You
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In-Home Feeding Therapy
Get personalized support in the comfort of your home. I observe real mealtimes, assess feeding patterns and oral motor skills, and guide you and your baby toward calmer, more confident feeds.
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Virtual Parent Coaching
Submit a short mealtime video and we’ll meet virtually to review what’s going on, troubleshoot together, and build a plan that works for your baby and your routine.
Do You Take Insurance?
*
Do You Take Insurance? *
Kind of! Read Below
When calling your insurance, ask:
Do I have out-of-network benefits for speech therapy?
Is the CPT code 92523 (feeding evaluation) and 92507 (feeding therapy) covered under my plan?
Do I need a referral or authorization to submit for reimbursement?
*As a private-pay practice, I offer flexible payment options designed with your family in mind. Because I am considered an Out of Network Provider, families can inquire with their insurance provider about their Out Of Network benefits. Many families I work with receive 70-80% of costs reimbursed through insurance with the submission of a Superbill (provided by Ocean Pediatric Feeding). I also accept HSA/FSA cards on my portal.
Please note: These fees apply to in-person evaluations and therapy only. Virtual coaching calls, workshops, and trainings are not eligible for insurance reimbursement or superbills.
Rates & What to Expect
Initial Evaluation: $450-$500 | Therapy Sessions: $165-$175 per session
Unlike traditional clinic-based feeding therapy, this coaching model keeps you at the center of the process.
The Ocean Pediatric Feeding Difference
🅧 Most clinics:
→ Take your child into a therapy room while you wait outside
→ Offer little parent involvement or coaching
→ Give you a quick 2‑minute recap at the end of the session
→ See your child once a week with no guidance in between
✓At Ocean Pediatric Feeding:
✓ You stay involved in every single session
✓ You get real‑time strategies and coaching while your child learns
✓ Sessions are focused on making adjustments in the moment not just talking about it after the fact
✓ You get on-going support
This tailored, parent-led model consistently produces faster progress and more confident, connected mealtimes.
What parents are saying
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What parents are saying 〰️
★★★★★
“We have been working with Sarah for a few months now and I have nothing but good things to say about her! I'm a mama and also a dietitian with a kiddo who has pediatric feeding disorder--it is important that our feeding support is evidence based and child focused and that is exactly what Sarah provides. She works hard to adapt sessions in a way that best supports the child and provides parents with meaningful coaching to help make changes that support the family. I couldn't recommend her more highly!”
- Colleen
★★★★★
“We recently had the privilege of working with Sarah from Ocean Pediatric Feeding therapist for our child, and I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions we've made for our family. Our child, who has struggled with mouthing and sensory sensitivities, has made incredible progress thanks to the expertise and guidance of our therapist.
We were impressed by how thorough and compassionate Sarah was. She took the time to assess not only our child’s feeding challenges but also the dynamics of our mealtimes at home, understanding that the environment plays a huge role in the process. This made all the difference in shaping a personalized plan that addressed both the physical and emotional aspects of eating.”
- Amanda
★★★★★
“Sarah has worked with our son for almost a year now and we have seen so much growth and progress in him. He gets very excited for the sessions and as his parents we do too ! As a family , we have utilized the tools Sarah has taught us and have learned so much as well to help our son . We highly recommend her !”
-Jessica
Severe Picky Eating/ARFID Support You’ve Been Searching For
Imagine sitting down to eat without the stress. Watching your child feel safe, curious, and confident around food. Feeling supported, empowered, and no longer alone in this journey. That’s what I want to help you accomplish!