Feeding & Swallowing

Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia)

Dysphagia occurs when a person has swallowing difficulties.  This puts the individual at risk of aspiration (a process where food/fluid enters the lungs).  When aspiration occurs, it puts the child/adult at risk of developing lung infections or aspiration pneumonia, and in very severe cases, this may eventually lead to death.

Fussy/Picky Eater

We are trained to carry out the SOS Approach to Feeding (Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding) when working with fussy eaters.  This approach combines sensory, motor, oral, behavioural/learning, medical and nutritional factors when working with the child.  It aims to fully evaluate your child’s feeding problem.  Other treatment approaches may also be incorporated, for example behavioural approaches, should the child require it.

Fussy eaters may also benefit from inputs from a Dietitian to help with their feeding schedules and help parent ensure sufficient and adequate nutrition is met during the period pre, during and post therapy.

Difficulties sucking from bottle

Premature infants have high risks of having difficulties sucking from the bottle or breast. Normal infants may encounter such difficulties as well. During the session, the speech therapist will do a physical examination of your child’s oral structures and sucking skills. The speech therapist will also observe your child sucking from the bottle or breast. She will then suggest changes to feeding technique or consistencies to ensure your child has the optimal suck:swallow:breathe coordination. Changes to feeding schedule, or feeding equipment may also be suggested. Exercises to promote a more efficient suck may also be helpful for child babies.

Chewing Difficulties

Children with chewing difficulties tend to have difficulties coordinating their muscles. At times, delayed exposure to textured food may have resulted in the lack of opportunities in learning the skill. We work closely to help families support and feed their child with the appropriate feeding technique and appropriate texture of food. Oro-Motor exercises for the jaw, tongue and lips may also be recommended. These exercises may be carried out with food, or with TalkTools equipment.

Drooling Remediation

Drooling is normal for infants and very young children. Drooling often after the age of 2 years is usually uncommon. Drooling in adults who have suffered a stroke is also of concern, as it may also be a symptom of swallowing difficulties.

Tube feeding

For adults with dysphagia, treatment involves teaching rehabilitation exercises or compensatory strategies to the patients/caregivers. We aim to work towards removal of the tube. We will work closely with the Dietitian to achieve it.

Difficulty transitioning to solids/textured food

Children who have delayed texture progression are those who are not eating or taking age-appropriate textures. During the session, the speech therapist will guide you and your family on what foods to offer, how to offer the food, to help gradually transit your child to textures that are appropriate for their age. The speech therapist and/or dietitian will also guide the family on how to make the foods, and provide suggestions to ensure intake is adequate for nutrition and growth.

Nutritional Needs

For children with poor growth, feeding difficulties, fussy eating or are on tube feeding, a Dietitian will be able to advise on the nutritional adequacy for your child/adult’s needs. Feeding plans will be carried out in conjunction with the Speech Therapist, to ensure seamless goals with all parties.