17/05/2023
READ BELOW FOR ROLE OF SLT IN PEDIATRIC DYSPHAGIA 🧡🍼👶🏻🍽️
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Pediatric dysphagia is a condition that may require intervention from a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who specializes in feeding and swallowing disorders. Here's an overview of how speech therapy can help:
🍼 - Assessment: The SLP will conduct a comprehensive evaluation. This may involve a clinical examination, observation during feeding, and instrumental assessments such as a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).
🍼 - Treatment planning: Based on the assessment findings, the SLP will develop an individualized treatment plan which may include specific goals and strategies to address the identified swallowing difficulties.
🍼 - Oral motor exercises: The SLP may incorporate oral motor exercises to improve strength, coordination, and control of the muscles involved in swallowing.
🍼 - Sensory stimulation: Some children with dysphagia may have sensory aversions or difficulties tolerating certain food textures. The SLP can provide sensory stimulation techniques to desensitize the child's oral sensory system and improve their ability to handle various food textures.
🍼 - Swallowing maneuvers and postural adjustments: These techniques can help improve the coordination and timing of swallowing, reduce the risk of aspiration, and ensure safe and efficient swallowing.
🍼 - Feeding therapy: In cases where the child has difficulty transitioning from tube feeding to oral feeding or has limited acceptance of different food textures, the SLP may provide feeding therapy. This involves gradually introducing new textures and flavors, working on oral motor skills, and addressing any underlying sensory or behavioral issues that impact feeding.
🍼 - Family education and support: Speech therapy for pediatric dysphagia often includes extensive family involvement. The SLP will educate parents and caregivers about the nature of the swallowing difficulties, strategies for safe and effective feeding, and ways to support the child's progress at home.