“Goal at the end of the day is to help each child find the internal motivation to eat enough to GROW. . . not because they were forced to” Marsha Dunn Klein
What is Dysphagia? Dysphagia refers to difficulty in swallowing. Symptoms include:
* Child refusing food or avoids food that requires chewing
* Food spills out of mouth
* Food remains in cheeks
* Child claims that the food ” Gets stuck” or “Won’t go down”
* Coughing, gagging or chewing during or after a swallow
* Nasal regurgitation
* Respiratiory changes
* Drooling
* Excessive decreations
* Frequent/ Recurrent pneumonia
If your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult a Feeding Specialist. Your physician may recommend a Modified Barium Swallow Study.
What is Food Aversion? A child you exhibits food aversions may be characterized as one who only eats specific food items. The food may be similiar in:
1. Color
2. Texture
3. Taste (salty, sweet, sour)
Food Aversion and Acid Reflux, is there a connection? YES!!! Reflux may be the starting point for the aversion. Espophagitis will impact the desire to eat. Managing the reflux is KEY.
VERY IMPORTANT FACT: Force feeding a child NEVER WORKS.
For further information regarding Dysphagia or Food Aversion, please contact one of our Feeding Specialists at 602-547-6996 for an appointment.
