Feeding and Swallowing

UH Rehab Services Offers Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Therapy

Pediatric occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists provide comprehensive feeding and swallowing evaluations and therapy at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Our therapists work together to treat children of all ages with feeding and swallowing problems resulting from conditions including, but not limited to:

• Dysphagia
• Genetic conditions
• Impaired motor and sensory skills
• Behavioral disorders

Team Approach to Improving Feeding and Swallowing

As part of the initial evaluation, our occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists work together to develop an individualized plan that will help progress a child’s feeding skills, with the long-term goal of the least restrictive diet. The therapists work closely with other specialists such as nutritionists, ear, nose and throat physicians, gastroenterologists and pulmonologists to develop a comprehensive care plan for each child. They also collaborate with radiologists in performing modified barium swallow studies to visualize problems during the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing.

Our therapists at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital provide families with evidence-based approaches for improving feeding and swallowing such as:

• Adaptive equipment/utensils
• Behavioral strategies
• Diet changes
• Sensory-motor strategies