A Developmental Pacifier is provided to help infants with functional
feeding development and to assist with specific developmental problems in
young children such as developmental delays, prematurity,
gastro-esophageal reflux, autism spectrum disorder, hypotonicity,
cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, microcephaly, and other sensory
integrative dysfunctions. The developmental pacifier of the present
invention encourages acceptance of food textures and stimulates
oral-motor awareness, and reduces or eliminates functional feeding
problems in children. The Developmental Pacifier has a nipple with an
upper portion and a base portion, a base, and sensory elements. A series
of Developmental Pacifiers with varying sensory elements may be used for
certain treatment regimens as prescribed by a medical practitioner,
pediatric occupational therapist, or other pediatric specialist.