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Credits: 3
This is a foundational course which provides a thorough understanding of normal swallow physiology including the embryology, anatomy, and physiology of the swallow mechanism in a developmental context from birth to adolescence. The class learns to identify influencing factors on the swallow function such as medical comorbidities, developmental skills, and child engagement. The learning is completed via learning modules that explore the neurobiology of the swallow mechanism; In utero development of feeding and swallowing; normal development: birth to adolescence; developmental care. The principles of assessment are identified to which to explore a variety of disorders of feeding and swallowing possible in children. Feeding and swallowing disorders of multiple factors are reviewed for their features, swallowing expectations, and feeding manifestations. Prevalence of expected feeding disorders in specific populations are discussed, including specific syndromes and other medical etiologies. The learning modules build on the medical management of the medically complex pediatric client; education of multifactorial feeding disorders; education of oral dysphagia; education of pharyngeal dysphagia; diagnoses from prematurity through craniofacial disorders including general information regarding diagnosis and specifics. Specific real-life cases are presented along with specifics related to oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal features. Evidence-based practice issues are incorporated into all aspects of the course. Interdisciplinary approaches to this area of atypical or disordered management are discussed. Meaningful assignments are provided utilizing evidenced based practice and journal article review to support areas of knowledge. Assignments incorporate skills to be adopted into daily SLP practice for future growth.
Prerequisites: