Feeding/Swallowing Services

The Interdisciplinary Feeding/Swallowing Team at the Child Development Center treats patients with feeding difficulties from infants to adolescents. The team consists of pediatric experts in the following disciplines: speech pathology, occupational therapy, nursing (consultation, as needed), psychology (consultation, as needed), radiology and medical imaging (consultation, as needed).

A speech pathologist evaluates your child's overall oral-motor skills, specifically those related to feeding. If necessary, the oral, pharyngeal and esophageal phases of swallowing are assessed via a radiographic evaluation. The evaluation of dysphagia may include an oral-motor/feeding evaluation by a speech pathologist. In this evaluation, the speech pathologist will assess the range and strength of oral-motor movements during play, during speech (if present) and during feeding. 

The speech pathologist will also observe oral-motor movements and efficiency as the child eats and drinks. Clinical signs of swallowing dysfunction which may suggest aspiration are carefully noted. If aspiration is suspected, further tests may be done, including a special X-ray called a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). An occupational therapist evaluates your child's positioning and postural control during feeding, as well as oral-sensory, oral-motor and self-feeding abilities. Following the evaluation, the speech pathologist may recommend oral-motor/feeding therapy. 

Dysphagia is a term that is often used for the feeding or swallowing problems that can occur in infants and in children of all ages. Feeding is rarely an isolated problem. A child with a feeding disorder who can benefit from the Feeding Team's care may experience one or more of the following:

• Limited or poor intake
• Food refusal
• Slow or inadequate weight gain
• Problems tolerating tube feedings
• Suspected or known problems with airway protection and swallowing (aspiration)
• Choking
• Sensory problems (reacts emotionally or aggressively to touch)
• Lack of appetite
• Swallowing and chewing difficulties
• History of gagging
• Oral sensitivity
• Picky eaters
• Fear/anxiety related to eating

Talk to your pediatrician or family doctor if your child has any signs or symptoms of feeding/swallowing problems. Your doctor may suggest further evaluation by a speech pathologist.

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