Dysphagia is defined by the National Institutes of Health as an impairment or difficulty in swallowing. It may sound like a mouthful (pun intended!) but understanding dysphagia and how speech therapy can make a big difference doesn’t have to be complicated. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of dysphagia and discover how speech therapy can be a game-changer for kids dealing with these challenges.
Dysphagia and Swallowing Challenges
Swallowing is a complex process involving many muscles, nerves, and coordination. The complexity of this process may be overlooked because the act of swallowing is not only intricate, but almost instantaneous. When something goes awry in this system, dysphagia can begin to occur. Dysphagia in children can have a variety of causes. It could be due to things like neurological conditions, developmental delays, structural issues, or medical conditions like prematurity, cerebral palsy, or Down syndrome. Identifying dysphagia can be tricky, so it’s important to keep an eye out for common signs.
