This service evaluates and treats clients with swallowing (dysphagia) feeding problems that have interfered with a person's growth, health, nutrition and development.

 

Approximately 80% of children with feeding problems have a medical condition (active or resolved) which relates to their feeding difficulties. The feeding difficulties typically demonstrate one or more of the following forms: failure to thrive, failure to advance texture, over selectivity of food, bottle or tube dependence, total or partial food refusal, oral-motor dysfunction, dysphagia and vomiting.

 

The primary goal is to promote safe, efficient eating using mature oral-motor patterns appropriate for the textures of food offered. Evaluation and treatment will take into account the following systems which have an effect on the success of oral feeding:

 

• Musculoskeletal system which provides the framework and base of support for sitting and the oral-pharyngeal muscles

• Respiratory system which provides adequate coordination of breathing and swallowing

• Gastrointestinal system which moves food through the system and absorbs nutrients for digestion

• Anatomic problems which can interfere with safe feeding

• Oropharyngeal system which provides safe and efficient manipulation and transport of food through the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing

• T'zuna Bria Speech and Feeding services works closely with nutritionist, Kelly Dorfman, to improve the patient's mechanical oral motor function and increase variety, texture and volume of solid food

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