Feeding support that builds safety, skill and confidence.
Thrive Feeding Clinic is a specialised feeding and swallowing clinic providing speech pathology + occupational therapy assessments and therapy for newborns through to older adults.
Bite. Chew. Swallow. Thrive.
Paediatric Feeding
Assessment • Therapy • Sensory • Oral‑motor • Mealtime support
Selective eating, sensory feeding issues, restrictive eating and mealtime stress.
We support infants, children and teens with complex feeding needs through multidisciplinary assessment and gentle, low‑pressure therapy.
Swallowing & Dysphagia
Assessment • Safety • Mealtime plans • Carer training
Coughing, choking, wet voice or difficulty swallowing food, fluids or medications.
We assess and manage swallowing difficulties across the lifespan, supporting safety, comfort and confidence at mealtimes.
Breastfeeding & Infant Feeding
Lactation • Bottle feeding • Tongue tie • Solids introduction
Breastfeeding pain, bottle refusal, tongue tie concerns and slow weight gain.
We support families with evidence‑based help for breastfeeding, bottle feeding and early feeding development.
Age‑Specific Feeding & Swallowing Support
Feeding and swallowing challenges look different at every stage of life. Thrive provides specialised support for:
Babies
(0–12 months)
Breast and bottle feeding challenges, tongue tie concerns, reflux and early difficulties transitioning to solids, including concerns about latch, coordination and comfort.
Infants & Toddlers
(1–3 years)
Emerging food selectivity, sensory sensitivities, mealtime stress, refusal to try new foods, anxiety or developmental feeding delays as toddlers navigate growing independence.
Children & Teens
(4–17 years)
Picky eating, anxiety around food, oral‑motor difficulties and choking concerns, including complex paediatric feeding disorders that affect growth, nutrition and confidence.
Adults
(18–64 years)
Swallowing difficulties, choking episodes, avoiding social eating and changes after illness or injury, often related to neurological conditions, respiratory issues or deconditioning.
Older Adults
(65+)
Age‑related swallowing changes, neurological conditions, weight loss and recurrent chest infections, dysphagia linked to dementia, stroke, frailty or reduced oral‑motor control.
About Thrive Feeding Clinic
THRIVE provides specialised feeding and swallowing assessment and support for children and adults across the Hunter. Our multidisciplinary team — Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Behaviour Support and Psychology — works together to understand the full picture behind feeding and mealtime challenges.
Led clinically by Dr Stefani Knijnik (PhD), THRIVE was created from a shared commitment to improving outcomes for families experiencing feeding and swallowing difficulties. Our team brings diverse expertise, collaborative practice and evidence‑based care to support meaningful, lasting change.
Different disciplines, different strengths — one team.
Why Choose Thrive?
Expertise
Led by Dr Stefani Knijnik (PhD), a clinician with a PhD in paediatric feeding disorders and extensive clinical experience in adult and geriatric dysphagia, our approach is grounded in research and clinical skill.
Multidisciplinary
Feeding is shaped by sensory, oral‑motor, behavioural and medical factors. Our combined Speech Pathology + Occupational Therapy assessments ensure every area is considered.
Responsive
We do not use force‑feeding or exposure‑based methods. Our readiness‑based approach protects the feeding relationship and reduces stress for children, adults and families.
Family‑Centred
Parents and carers are part of the team. We respect your experience and goals, offering practical strategies you can use at home from the very first session.
Lifespan
From breastfeeding challenges to paediatric feeding disorders, adult dysphagia and age‑related swallowing changes, we support clients across the lifespan with no exclusions.
Telehealth Feeding Assessments
Telehealth appointments may be available in selected circumstances where clinically appropriate.
(Please note: swallowing assessments must be completed in person.)
Ready to get started?
Whether you’re seeking support with feeding challenges, swallowing difficulties, dysphagia or mealtime stress, our team is here to help.