Pediatric Feeding Program

Overview

Feeding and swallowing disorders, or dysphagia, can occur in infants, toddlers, children and adolescents. Feeding issues may be the result of reduced oral motor skills, differences in oral sensitivity, difficulty tolerating a variety of textures, or feeding problems that delay development or feeding milestones.

Swallowing disorders include concerns with swallow safety and aspiration. The presence of respiratory, neurological or cardiac problems can disrupt swallow coordination. These problems may warrant a radiology exam of swallowing with a speech pathologist.

We offer multidisciplinary teams in the following areas:

Pediatric Feeding & Nutrition Center: The Pediatric Feeding & Nutrition Center offers multidisciplinary care for children with a variety of feeding difficulties. Families meet with a health-care team that includes a speech-language pathologist with advanced training in feeding and other specialists including: pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition doctor, dietitian, occupational therapist, feeding psychologist, and social worker. The team may change based on your child’s specific needs. The team meets all together with you and your child as we evaluate their feeding skills and develop a family-centered treatment plan. Learn more.

Clinical Feeding Evaluation: A speech-language pathologist evaluates and treats children with less complex feeding problems that may include slow progression to solid foods, gagging on textures, or immature feeding skills.

Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study: When a child has suspected dysphagia (swallowing problems) or is at risk for aspiration, a radiography study, known as a Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (Modified Barium Swallow Study), may be completed. During this study, a speech-language pathologist works with pediatric radiology staff to take images as the child swallows various consistencies of barium to assess swallow function.

Our Team

• Rebecca Baars, MS, CCC-SLP
• Cheryl Hersh, MS, CCC-SLP
• Lara Hirner, MS, CCC-SLP
• Sarah Sally, MS, CCC-SLP
• Jessica Sorbo, MS, CCC-SLP