Evaluation of Children With Feeding and Swallowing Problems

Speech-language pathologists in schools are increasingly being presented with children who have feeding and swallowing problems. These speech-language pathologists are in strategic positions to identify the problems, carry out an evaluation of feeding and swallowing skills, and determine the needs for medical team referral. Evaluation of children with feeding and swallowing problems is best carried out by speech-language pathologists in the context of a school-based team with links to a medically based team. This article focuses on guidelines for obtaining a history, carrying out a physical examination, and observing a typical meal. Team members in school settings make important contributions to considerations for instrumental assessments that are needed when making management decisions for children with suspected pharyngeal phase deficits.