Dysphagia Dilemmas: Clinical and Instrumental Management of Pediatric Swallowing ecourse
Swallowing difficulties in pediatrics can have significant consequences to a child's health and well-being as well as the overall quality of life for both the child and the family. A speech pathologist has a vital role on the multidisciplinary team to assess and provide appropriate intervention in this population. This intermediate level course will cover etiologies of pediatric swallowing disorders, the role of and interpretation of instrumental assessment with an emphasis on videofluoroscopic swallow studies and flexible endoscopic evaluation of the swallow, and the impact of evidenced based intervention on improving the quality of life and outcomes in pediatric patients with swallowing disorders. Specific topics covered will include medical diagnoses, appropriate referrals for instrumental assessment, strategies for completing instrumental assessment in the pediatric population, interpreting instrumental assessment results, developing patient-specific intervention approaches for saliva management and swallowing disorders, weaning thickened liquids, involving families and caregivers through the therapy process. Case studies and pertinent research will be included to support learning.Course Requirements:
- Computer with internet and working speakers/sound are required for this course.
- Course must be completed within 30 days of activation (activate course within 6 months of purchase).
- An online multiple-choice quiz (80% passing score) and submission of an online evaluation form are required for successful completion.
- A certificate of completion will be available to print immediately after course is successfully completed.
- SLPs - ASHA CEUs may be obtained by completing the online ASHA form and checking the "Report to ASHA" box.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate etiology of pediatric swallowing disorders
- Make appropriate instrumental swallow referrals and develop a treatment plan based on instrumental assessment findings
- Explain rationale for diet modifications and compensatory strategies based on instrumental assessment findings
- Describe how evidenced based therapeutic intervention can improve quality of life for children with swallowing disorders
Course Instructor(s)
Allison Brown
MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Allison Tidwell Brown, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a Speech Language Pathologist and Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. Her clinical focus is with infant feeding, GI, saliva management, and instrumental assessment of the swallow including VFSS. She has helped develop several programs and clinics including a multidisciplinary saliva management program. She is a lead outpatient feeding therapist for Children's Health in Dallas, TX. Allison also teaches a graduate course in Pediatric Dysphagia at the University of Texas at Dallas.
Financial Disclosure: Allison receives an honorarium from CIAO for the presentation of her live courses. She also receives royalties for the sale of her online courses.
Non-Financial Disclosure: no relevant disclosures.
Course Agenda
Contact hours pre-approved for:
- 2.5 Hours
- CIAO is an ASHA Approved Provider #AAWA (0.25 ASHA CEUs) bubble sheet submission required
Introductory Level
0.25 ASHA CEUs