Eating with Ease: Managing Complex Feeding and Swallowing Problems in Children

• • Examine the interplay between oral-motor, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems and their impact on food refusal in children
• • Identify the signs and symptoms of pharyngeal dysphagia in children
• • Pinpoint advantages and challenges associated with dietary modifications and use of thickened liquids
• • Discuss the rationale for various dietary recommendations currently being implemented with children
• • Determine the pros and cons of various oral-motor and sensory treatment approaches
• • Develop a behavioral treatment plan to address problem feeding behaviors

Developing a Menu for Success
The causes of feeding and swallowing difficulties in children are always multifaceted, sometimes misdiagnosed, and often difficult to assess and treat appropriately. Respiratory difficulties, gastro-intestinal function, oral-motor skills, and behavioral issues are just a few of the elements that can influence feeding and swallowing, limit response to treatment, and result in significant health issues. To maximize effectiveness, clinicians must resist the temptation to assess and treat feeding and swallowing disorders in isolation; instead, they must develop management plans that take into account interactions between and among oral-motor, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems.

This essential course describes complex feeding and swallowing disorders as they manifest themselves in children who have a variety of diagnoses. Attendees gain successful strategies for identification of the underlying etiology of the dysphagia. The evidence base for specific therapies, including oral motor techniques, behavioral interventions, nutritional interventions, and strategies for respiratory control, are evaluated. Participants leave this course armed with practical suggestions and tactics for improving function in these challenging children, as well as strong evidence to support those strategies.