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Credits: 2
This seminar focuses on working with children with complex communication needs and pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders in Early Intervention (EI) home-based settings. It provides students with information regarding typical speech and language development and various medically complex conditions impacting growth. Anatomy-physiology of swallowing processes, the normal swallowing/feeding development, and common and uncommon feeding and swallowing difficulties in children with complex communication needs will be discussed. We will use current evidence-based practices to discuss strategies for preventing, assessing, and managing children with feeding and swallowing problems in challenging contexts. Evidenced-based treatment approaches will be reviewed and analyzed to effectively implement therapy practices within home based EI. This seminar will include discussions related to the family and environmental challenges, the significance of the interdisciplinary approach, and the understanding of the context of these services. Students will acquire knowledge about various challenges families may face in their day-to-day situations. Students will also learn to work closely with parents/caregivers to reinforce and support quality interactions with their children. After completing this seminar, students will have the foundational knowledge and the basic skills required to work with children with complex needs in Early Intervention settings. This course will also look to expand areas related to pediatric dysphagia including: medical management, multidisciplinary care, craniofacial disorders assessment and treatment, Management of patients with tracheostomy, utilization of SOS as one treatment approach with Sensory and ASD population, management of GERD throughout the life span as well as review of specific cases to discussion with clinical specialists. Evidence-based practice issues are incorporated into all aspects of the course. Interdisciplinary approaches are discussed.
Prerequisites: