Intro to Pediatric Feeding Disorders & Dysphagia
Intro to Pediatric Feeding Disorders & Dysphagia
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Pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is impaired oral intake that is not age-appropriate and is associated with medical, nutritional, feeding skills, and/or psychosocial dysfunction (Goday et al., 2019).
Pediatric dysphagia is defined as difficulties with moving food or liquid from the mouth, throat, or esophagus to the stomach (ASHA).
Feeding and swallowing disorders are often related to other medical conditions but may also occur without a known cause (ASHA).
ASHA states the primary goals of feeding and swallowing intervention for children are to:
Support safe and adequate nutrition and hydration
Capitalize on strengths and address weaknesses related to underlying structures and functions that affect feeding and swallowing
Collaborate with family to incorporate dietary preferences
Attain age-appropriate eating skills in the most typical setting
Minimize the risk of pulmonary complications
Maximize the quality of life
Prevent future feeding issues and create positive feeding-related experiences
Question to ask when creating a treatment plan:
Can the child eat and drink safely?
Can the child receive adequate nutrition and hydration by mouth alone, given length of time to eat, efficiency, and fatigue factors?
How can the child’s functional abilities be maximized?
How can the child’s quality of life be preserved and/or enhanced?
Are there behavioral and sensory motor issues that interfere with feeding and swallowing?
Treatment Considerations
Treatment Considerations
Readiness for oral feeding, communication, physical & cognitive abilities
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