The Speech and Language Therapist plays a central role in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of infants and children with feeding and swallowing disorders. This role in dysphagia is crucial, as it involves the provision of clinical/educational services (diagnosis, assessment, planning and treatment), prevention, education and organisation.More specifically, the Speech and Language Therapist is responsible :
1) to conduct assessment, including clinical, and identify normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology in swallowing, identify possible or potential disorders of the upper respiratory tract
2) developing treatment plans that incorporate the family's dietary preferences, providing treatment, documenting progress, and determining appropriate recovery criteria
3) advising and collaborating with other professionals and family members to facilitate the development of the treatment plan, while providing supervision and evaluation as appropriate
4) improving breathing, verbal communication (correct production of sounds from the tongue), facial mimicry
5) orofacial exercises for strengthening the muscles of the mouth, the correct positioning of the tongue, increasing its mobility, improving chewing
6) observation of feeding in order to examine the child's physical posture, behaviour and oral movements during the consumption of solids and liquids.
However, for a programme to be successful, there must be direct cooperation between parent and therapist.