About Us
About Us
A leader in proven strategies for treating pediatric feeding disorders.
The Pediatric Feeding Institute (PFI) provides workshops and training seminars in the area of pediatric feeding disorders. PFI uses a transdisciplinary approach identified as the TR-eat® model (Transdisciplinary Effective Assessment and Treatment) for working with children presenting with feeding problems.
We educate healthcare professionals about the incidence and etiology of this problem. PFI also offers training in treatment interventions through workshops, seminars and on-site consultation.
We have been conducting the workshop “Mealtime Miseries” throughout the US and Canada since 2007. Our research in the area of pediatric feeding disorders has been published in professional publications and peer-reviewed journals.
The TR-eat® Model
The Transdisciplinary Effective Assessment & Treatment (TR-eat®) Model was developed by Elizabeth Clawson, PhD and Carol Elliott, OTR/L as a descriptor for a transdisciplinary and holistic approach for treating children with complex feeding problems. The TR-eat® model blends behavioral principles with therapeutic skills to address even the most difficult feeding problems. The approach has been found to be consistently successful, easy to administer and meets the needs of both the child and family.
The TR-eat® model is based upon the following principles:
- This is a transdisciplinary model where disciplines work together and become crossed trained in oral motor skill treatment and behavioral interventions.
- The model is collaborative not consultative, all disciplines working together.
- Treatment is closely integrated with medical intervention and nutrition as this is typically the underlying cause of feeding difficulties.
- Positive reinforcement strategies are used to not only teach, but increase the rate of learning new skills.
- This is a child guided rather than child directed approach. We look for subtle signs from the child to find the “just right challenge” to work within. There is structure; however, treatment is advanced at a rate where the child is able to develop skills and confidence.
- The program is respectful of sensory deficits. Sensory sensitivities directly impacting the child’s ability to be successful with feeding are incorporated into the treatment plan. Systematic desensitization (slow progression with sensory challenges) is used as a part of treatment and found to be highly successful.
- The model is easily adopted in a variety of treatment settings.
- Treatment is systematic, structured and built on individual successes.
- It is easy to learn and teach caregivers.
- No specials tools or certification is needed.
Our Workshops
Carol and Elizabeth conduct workshops with the goal of helping therapists by sharing the TR-eat® model. The course provides multiple case scenarios, hands on demonstration, written instructions and handouts that can be put to immediate use. Positive feedback from course participants has been overwhelming. We look forward to sharing our knowledge with you and reaching out to help more children with feeding challenges.
Treatment Using the TR-eat® Model:
For more information and patient referrals please use the following contact information.
Elizabeth Clawson
MS, PhD, LCP, HSPP
Elizabeth Clawson, MS, PhD, LCP, HSPP is a Licensed Clinical Child Psychologist and internationally renowned pediatric clinical psychologist known for her extensive work in the field of pediatric feeding disorders. Dr. Clawson is a dynamic and engaging speaker who is able to combine her clinical expertise with research-based outcomes to support the intervention strategies taught in the Mealtime Miseries course.
Elizabeth received her MS and PhD degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her internship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine with rotations in pediatric feeding therapy and hospital consultation/liaison intervention. Her postdoctoral fellowship was at Cumberland Hospital, a long-term pediatric hospital for children and adolescents with brain injury, chronic illness and neurobehavioral disorders.
Dr. Clawson has worked in the area of pediatric psychology since 1992 and specialized in treating children with feeding disorders since 1996. She has been committed to establishing clinical data and research using a transdisciplinary approach that demonstrates effective outcomes across a variety of clinical settings. She has multiple research publications, presentations, and consultation contracts in the area of pediatric feeding therapy.
Carol Elliott
BS, OTR/L
Carol Elliott, BS, OTR/L is an internationally recognized and energetic speaker. Carol has worked in the area of pediatric Occupational Therapy since 1987 after receiving her degree at Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA.
Prior to specializing in feeding problems, Carol’s clinical areas of expertise were pediatric brain injury, splinting/casting, burns and sensory integration. Since, 1998, Carol devoted her practice to the treatment of children with complex feeding disorders, oral motor deficits, oral dysphasia and feeding tube dependency.
Along with her full time clinical practice, she has published multiple articles, conducted numerous presentations and has provided consultative services to other professionals and treatment centers in the area of pediatric feeding evaluation/treatment.
