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As stated by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are the primary providers for swallowing and feeding services.”
A speech therapist can help determine why your child’s feeding and swallowing disorders are occurring and the treatment plan needed to help them eat and drink more comfortably.
ASHA also discusses the three phases in which swallowing occurs, and the difficulties that could present in all three phases of swallowing:
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- Oral phase – sucking, chewing, and moving food or liquid into the throat.
- Pharyngeal phase – starting the swallow and squeezing food down the throat. Your child needs to close off their airway to keep food or liquid out. Food going into the airway can cause coughing and choking.
- Esophageal phase – opening and closing the esophagus or the tube that goes from the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus squeezes food down to the stomach. Food can get stuck in the esophagus, or your child may throw up a lot if there is a problem with their esophagus.
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At Southern Pediatric Therapy Clinic, our speech therapists can take a look at what phase your child’s feeding or swallowing disorder is occurring in, so they can get started on the best treatment plan for their needs. Contact us today to get your child started!
Consult with a speech therapist today
If your child is living with a swallowing disorder, contact Southern Pediatric Therapy Clinic today to consult with one of our speech therapists. We can help make eating and drinking more comfortable for your child.
