This service evaluates and treats clients with swallowing (dysphagia) feeding problems that have interfered with a person's growth, health, nutrition and development.

Approximately 80% of children with feeding problems have a medical condition (active or resolved) which relates to their feeding difficulties. The feeding difficulties typically demonstrate one or more of the following forms: failure to thrive, failure to advance texture, over selectivity of food, bottle or tube dependence, total or partial food refusal, oral-motor dysfunction, dysphagia and vomiting.

The primary goal is to promote safe, efficient eating using mature oral-motor patterns appropriate for the textures of food offered. Evaluation and treatment will take into account the following systems which have an effect on the success of oral feeding:

• Musculoskeletal system which provides the framework and base of support for sitting and the oral-pharyngeal muscles
• Respiratory system which provides adequate coordination of breathing and swallowing
• Gastrointestinal system which moves food through the system and absorbs nutrients for digestion
• Anatomic problems which can interfere with safe feeding
• Oropharyngeal system which provides safe and efficient manipulation and transport of food through the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing

The Better Speech and Feeding Center provides a complete history and clinical evaluation of feeding and swallowing problems. Recommendations include treatment with home carryover, the need for further objective tests and follow up with primary physicians that directly effect the success of treatment