Week 8: Feeding

What are feeding, eating, and swallowing skills considered in pediatric OT?

Developmental skills that allow children to safely and independently participate in eating and drinking occupations

What factors influence the development of feeding, eating, and swallowing skills?

Child factors, environmental factors, caregiver interactions, and developmental experiences

What are important developmental milestones related to infant feeding?

Progression from reflexive feeding patterns to oral motor control, chewing, self-feeding, and independent eating skills

What is generalized mouthing and why is it important?

Early mouthing behavior used to develop sensory awareness and explore objects

What is discriminative mouthing and why is it important?

Mouthing that develops around 6 months to improve oral motor skills and sensory discrimination

What is the difference between feeding and eating?

Feeding involves bringing food or liquids to the mouth and managing the process, while eating involves taking food into the mouth, chewing, and swallowing

What are the four phases of swallowing?

Oral preparatory, oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases

What occurs during the oral preparatory phase of swallowing?

Food is chewed and mixed with saliva to form a bolus

What occurs during the pharyngeal phase of swallowing?

The airway closes and the bolus moves through the throat

What is dysphagia?

Difficulty with swallowing that may affect safety and nutrition

What are the major components of a feeding, eating, and swallowing evaluation?

Medical and feeding history, observation of feeding skills and behaviors, oral motor/swallowing assessment, and psychosocial and family factors

Why is observing a child during mealtime important in a feeding evaluation?

It provides information about feeding skills, behaviors, interactions, and environmental factors affecting eating

What is SSB coordination and why is it important in infants?

Suck-swallow-breathe coordination needed for safe and efficient feeding

What factors should be considered when assessing pediatric feeding difficulties?

The child's abilities, family routines, culture, environment, behaviors, and mealtime interactions

Why is cultural responsiveness important in pediatric feeding therapy?

Feeding practices are influenced by family values, traditions, routines, and beliefs

What is a responsive feeding approach?

A child-centered approach that supports communication, autonomy, trust, and positive mealtime experiences

What is Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD)?

Impaired oral intake that is not age appropriate and affects feeding participation

What are the four areas of dysfunction associated with Pediatric Feeding Disorder?

Medical, nutritional, feeding skill, and psychosocial dysfunction

What factors may indicate the need for further feeding evaluation?

Difficulty swallowing, poor growth, limited food intake, coughing/choking, caregiver concerns, or significant mealtime stress

What are developmental and psychosocial implications of altered nutritional intake?

Poor growth, reduced participation, stress, decreased confidence, and negative mealtime experiences

What are common intervention strategies for feeding, eating, and swallowing deficits?

Positioning, oral motor interventions, sensory-based strategies, caregiver education, environmental modifications, and adaptive equipment

Why is positioning important during feeding?

Proper positioning supports safety, stability, oral motor control, and participation

What is the purpose of the 90-90-90 positioning approach during feeding?

To provide stability by supporting the hips, knees, and feet at approximately 90-degree angles

What are examples of feeding adaptations an OT may recommend?

Adaptive utensils, modified seating, environmental changes, and changes to food presentation

What is the difference between overt and silent aspiration?

Overt aspiration has visible signs such as coughing or choking, while silent aspiration occurs without obvious symptoms

What signs may indicate aspiration or swallowing difficulty?

Coughing, choking, wet voice, respiratory changes, gagging, or changes in facial expression

What are altered food textures?

Changes made to the physical properties of food to improve safety, chewing ability, or swallowing

What are altered liquid consistencies?

Modified liquid thickness levels used to improve swallowing safety and control

Why are modified textures and liquid consistencies used during feeding intervention?

To support safe swallowing and reduce risk of aspiration

What role do caregivers play in pediatric feeding intervention?

They support routines, implement strategies, and create positive feeding experiences