Dysphagia in infants and children with oral-motor deficits: assessment and management.

Speech-language pathologists who are feeding specialists take an active role in the evaluation and management of infants and children with dysphagia and oral-motor deficits. This article focuses on those infants and children who have feeding difficulties due to respiratory, neurologic, anatomic, and/or gastointestinal disorders in the NICU or hospital setting and after their discharge to home. Evaluation and treatment techniques emphasizing clinical management are described. Assessment of behavioral state, passive positioning and dynamic handling, utensil selection, bolus modification, compensatory techniques, and oral/nonoral feedings are discussed. Involvement of the family is considered a critical part of all team interventions.