Management of pediatric dysphagia

Abstract

Decisions for management of feeding and swallowing problems in infants and children are likely to be most effective in a professional team approach with caregivers. Optimal management relies on optimal assessment. This article focuses on management strategies that involve "food rules," the position and posture changes, alterations in food and liquid attributes, oral-motor and swallow function, utensil changes, adjustments in feeding schedules and pacing, and behavioral intervention with failure to thrive in the context of global issues for children who are oral and nonoral feeders.