1. Pediatric Dysphagia
By : Whitney Hicks
Fall 2006
Goals of Therapy

2. Primary Goals of Pediatric Dysphagia Therapy
Promoting suffice nutrition and hydration
Developing feeding skills that are age-appropriate
Creating a therapy program customized to the own individual
Educate and Train the Caregivers to Facilitate the Development of the Child
(Hall, 2001)

3. Pediatric Dysphagia Therapy
“The Primary Goal of Pediatric Dysphagia Swallowing Therapy Techniques are Developed to meet children’s needs not only by addressing the Oral-Motor, Sensory, and Dietary Needs, but also by Helping Caregivers Develop and Implement an Effective Home-Based Feeding Program. The Frequency of Treatment and Disciplines Involved are Based on the Child’s Specific Needs.”
(dukehealth.org)

4. Therapy is Divided into Two Groups
Compensatory Strategies – Assist in ensuring successful feeding in the incidence of an essential disorder.
Facilitative Strategies – Encourage and/or develop typical feeding skills.
(Hall, 2001).

5. Goals for Compensatory Strategies
Establishing best possible Infant State/Feeding Willingness
Readying the Infant for Oral Feeding/Preparing the Environment
Establishing Optimal Position for Feeding
Focusing on the Consistency, Temperature, Volume, and Taste of Food
Shifting Feeding Utensils to the Infants Desire
(Hall, 2001)

6. Goals of Facilitative Strategies
Oral Stimulation Planning
Reducing Oral Aversions
Developing Chewing Skills
Interference of Behavioral Feeding Disorder Problems
Oral-Motor Rehabilitation Therapy
Development of a “Nonnutritive Suck”
(Hall, 2001)

7. References
Hall, K. D. (2001). Pediatric Dysphagia Resource Guide. Canada: Singular Thompon Learning.
Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program (2005). Retrieved November 11, 2006, from