“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.