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Upstate worker assisting the feeding of a child

Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program

Our mission is to help support children and their families in having more positive interactions with mealtimes. While eating is a critical component of healthy growth and development, it can sometimes be challenging for some children to eat enough to meet their caloric and/or nutritional needs. These challenges can be a great source of stress for families and caregivers.

Our program provides assessment and treatment of a variety of feeding challenges displayed by children both with and without developmental disabilities including:

  • Highly restricted or limited food consumption (i.e., fewer than 12 foods)
    • Restriction based on food feature (e.g., color, brand), type (e.g., food group), or texture
  • Feeding tube dependence (e.g., nasogastric, gastrostomy)
  • Dependence on supplemental formulas
  • Inappropriate mealtime behaviors (e.g., tantrums, refusal)
  • Poor weight gain of failure to thrive
  • Oral-motor or self-feeding skill deficits

We provide evidence-based, behavioral treatment for children from birth up to 21 years. With a team of highly dedicated behavior analysts and behavioral psychologists, we aim to develop a structured meal plan designed to meet each child’s and family’s needs. We use scientifically supported approaches when assessing the reason(s) for children’s inappropriate mealtime behaviors as well as implementing strategies to work toward individualized goals. After we have found an effective plan to achieve each child’s goals, we train their caregiver(s) to help carry over the gains made in our clinic to their home and community. We will continue to support families during the transition to discharge using in-home or telemedicine visits.

We require all children to obtain medical clearance from Upstate’s pediatric gastroenterology team prior to enrolling in our program.

Providers

Christina Alaimo, PhD
Christina Alaimo, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA
Licensed Behavior Analyst & Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Education:
  • B.S. in Clinical Counseling Psychology from The college of New Jersey
  • M.S. in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College
  • Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis from The Graduate Center at City University of New York

Services provided:

  • Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program

Clinical Background and My Approach to Care: 

I specialize in the assessment and treatment of a range of pediatric feeding disorders. My research has primarily focused on staff and caregiver training in interventions to treat children’s food refusal and selectivity. I also have extensive experience in the treatment of clinical range maladaptive and challenging behaviors, as well as skill acquisition (e.g., functional communication) for children with developmental disorders.


Jason Zeleny, MS, BCBA
Jason Zeleny, BCBA, LBA
Licensed Behavior Analyst & Instructor of Pediatrics

Education:
  • B.A. in Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha
  • M.S. in Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Nebraska Medical Center

Services provided:

  • Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program

Clinical Background and My Approach to Care: 

I find joy in helping others in any way that I can. One of the ways I learned I could do this early in my career was through working with children who have behavioral feeding concerns. Teaching children how to eat, try new foods, and have a positive and healthier relationship with food while using an evidence-based approach is something that children and their families can take with them throughout the rest of their lives. I also enjoy teaching other skills that children can use to be more independent such as, asking for things that they want or need in a way that others can understand, how to brush their teeth, or how to wash their hands. Although it can sometimes be hard at first, it usually always pays off in the end.


William Sullivan, PhD
William E. Sullivan, PhD, BCBA
Licensed Psychologist

Director - Outpatient Behavioral Services, Golisano Center for Special Needs, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics 

 Education:
  • B.S. in Psychology from West Virginia University
  • M.S. in Psychology from Syracuse University
  • Ph.D. in Psychology from Syracuse University

Services provided:

  • Complex Behavior Program
  • Autism Diagnosis
  • Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program
  • Behavior Analysis Murine Laboratory

Clinical Background and My Approach to Care:

When an individual engages in challenging behavior, I do not see them as being “bad” – they are simply trying to tell us something! I love my job because I get to figure out what they are trying to tell us and help them learn more socially appropriate and effective ways to communicate their wants and needs. I have dedicated my life to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and I feel privileged to serve this population and our community.


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