3160 North Arizona Avenue, Suite 105, Chandler, Arizona 85225
Feeding and Swallowing (Pediatric Dysphasia)
Feeding and Swallowing
At Ridge Zeller Therapy, we use a multidisciplinary approach, guided by evidenced-based and best clinical practices in evaluating and treating your child's feeding and swallowing concerns (dysphasia).
Our licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologists will consider several factors, including the child’s age, cognitive and physical abilities, and specific swallowing and feeding problems. We align our expertise to provide the highest quality of care in meeting your child's unique needs.
We emphasize parent and family education and involvement and include home-based strategies to achieve the best outcomes.
Signs of Feeding and Swallowing Concerns
Signs and symptoms vary based on a child’s age and developmental level. They may include the following:
- Back arching
- Coughing and/or choking
- Crying during mealtimes
- Difficulty chewing foods that are texturally appropriate
- Difficulty initiating swallowing
- Food refusal
- Frequent congestion, particularly after meals
- Frequent respiratory illnesses
- Gagging
- Loss of food/liquid from the mouth when eating
- Noisy or wet vocal quality during and after eating
- Food aversion
- Taking only small amounts of food, overpacking the mouth, and/or pocketing foods.
- Vomiting
- Failure to thrive
We provide therapy services, in homes, online and in our clinic located in Chandler, Arizona.
Feeding and Swallowing Treatment
Individualized Treatment Plans
At Ridge Zeller Therapy, treatment is individualized to meet the specific needs of your child.
Our licensed and certified speech therapists are trained in a wide range of dysphasia treatments. We take into account readiness for oral feeding, communication, and physical conditions that require consideration of best feeding methods to maximize safe feeding and swallowing.
Your Speech-Language Pathologist will complete a comprehensive assessment and develop a treatment plan individualized to meet your child's unique needs.
Treatment decisions take into account your child’s needs, family views and preferences, and the setting where services are provided. We provide education to families, as well as individuals working with your child, to prevent complications related to feeding and swallowing disorders.
In some cases, your child may be referred to other professionals as needed to rule out other health conditions.
Who will be my Child's Therapist?
The professional in charge of each individual’s feeding and swallowing therapy program is known as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). The SLP will work with each individual to design a program that meets each person's unique needs. Activities will be developed to make therapy interesting and effective in meeting goals.