Feeding & Swallowing

What Is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia refers to difficulty with feeding or swallowing—whether that’s safely moving food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach, or developing the coordination needed to eat comfortably. Swallowing is something most people do without thinking, but it requires a complex balance of muscles and reflexes. 

In both children and adults, dysphagia can affect nutrition, safety, and quality of life. It may show up as coughing or choking, food refusal, weight changes, or even repeated illnesses. Therapy helps identify the cause and offers strategies to make eating safer and more enjoyable. 

The Importance of Safe, Functional Eating

Feeding and swallowing are essential—not just for health and growth, but for daily routines, social connection, and comfort. 

When these skills are disrupted, they can lead to: 

  • Aspiration (when food or drink enters the airway) 
  • Choking risks, pneumonia, or illness 
  • Mealtime anxiety or refusal 
  • Growth concerns in children 
  • Fatigue, dehydration, or malnutrition in adults 

What to Look For

In Children: 
Trouble transitioning to solid foods 
Gagging, coughing, or excessive drooling during meals 
Long mealtimes or refusal to eat 
Difficulty coordinating chewing and swallowing 
Pocketing food or fatigue while eating 
Strong preferences for certain textures or temperatures 

In Adults: 
Coughing, choking, or throat clearing during meals 
Food feeling “stuck” in the throat or chest 
Difficulty chewing or swallowing 
Weight loss or avoiding certain textures 
Wet-sounding voice after eating or drinking 
Frequent chest congestion or respiratory infections 

Common Causes of Feeding & Swallowing Challenges

Stroke, brain injury, or neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s, MS, ALS) 
Developmental delays or premature birth 
Congenital conditions (e.g., cleft palate, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy) 
Reflux, sensory sensitivities, or structural differences 
Head and neck surgery or cancer treatment 

Our team supports both developmental feeding challenges in children and acquired dysphagia in adults. 

Next, the SLP performs a clinical evaluation. This may include observing the child during meals, assessing oral motor skills, and identifying any sensory sensitivities. Based on these observations, the therapist can outline specific goals and strategies tailored to the child’s needs.

Swallowing Evaluation

We may assess: 

  • Oral-motor coordination and strength 
  • Safety and efficiency of the swallow 
  • Response to different food textures or liquid consistencies 
  • Signs of aspiration or fatigue 
  • Sensory preferences and responses 
  • Feeding position, pacing, and caregiver involvement 

Ongoing staff and family education play a crucial role in implementing the feeding plan. SLPs provide training to parents and caregivers on safe feeding practices. They teach strategies to minimize risks, such as aspiration and choking.

What to Expect in Therapy

Feeding and swallowing therapy is personalized, functional, and family-focused. 

For children, therapy may involve: 

  • Encouraging oral exploration and safe food acceptance 
  • Building oral-motor coordination 
  • Desensitization to textures or temperatures 
  • Coaching caregivers on effective feeding routines 

For adults, sessions often focus on: 

  • Reducing aspiration risk 
  • Strengthening the swallow mechanism 
  • Adapting mealtime strategies 
  • Recovering independence after illness or injury 

Therapy is always respectful, non-pressuring, and based on real-life needs. 

Takeaway: Mealtimes Are About More Than Eating

Feeding challenges affect more than nutrition—they can impact our relationships, routines, and daily enjoyment of life. Mealtimes are often where we connect with others, share traditions, and enjoy food. 

Whether you’re helping a child explore new foods or working to regain confidence after a medical event, feeding therapy supports safety, comfort, and connection—so meals can feel easier and more meaningful again.