A Multidisciplinary Approach to Pediatric Feeding Disorders: Roles of the Speech-Language Pathologist and Behavioral Psychologist. Am J Speech Lang Pathol 2020 Jul 10;29(2S):956-966
Date
07/12/2020Pubmed ID
32650658DOI
10.1044/2020_AJSLP-19-00069Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85087843302 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 39 CitationsAbstract
Purpose Pediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) present as a complex clinical challenge because of the heterogeneous underlying etiologies and their impact on health, safety, growth, and psychosocial development. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for accurate diagnosis and prompt interventions to lessen the burdens associated with PFDs. The role of the speech-language pathologist (SLP) as a member of the multidisciplinary team will be highlighted. Method This clinical focus article reviews the definition of PFDs and pertinent literature on factors that contribute to the development of PFDs, the accurate diagnosis, and current interventions for infants and children. As part of the multidisciplinary team, the SLP has an integral role in determining whether a child cannot or will not eat and working with the team to identify and carryout appropriate interventions. Collaboration between SLPs and psychologists/behavioral specialists in conjunction with the parents/caregivers as part of the multidisciplinary team is essential to the advancement of therapeutic goals. Conclusions Due to their complex nature, the successful management of PFDs is only possible with the care and expertise of a multidisciplinary team, which includes parents/caregivers. SLPs are important members of these multidisciplinary teams and provide valuable input for the accurate identification and effective remediation of PFDs.
Author List
Gosa MM, Dodrill P, Lefton-Greif MA, Silverman AAuthor
Alan Silverman PhD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
ChildCommunication Disorders
Feeding and Eating Disorders
Humans
Infant
Pathologists
Speech
Speech-Language Pathology
