BMC’s Yawkey building doors are now closed as an entrance as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our campus and provide you with the best clinical care.

All patients and visitors on our main campus must enter our hospital via Shapiro, Menino, or Moakley buildings, where they will be greeted by team members at a new centralized check-in desk before continuing to the hospital. We are excited to welcome you and appreciate your patience as we improve our facilities.

Pediatric Feeding Disorders

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What are Pediatric Feeding Disorders?

Pediatric feeding disorders consist of problems related to feeding and swallowing, specifically addressing concerns around an infant, a toddler, or a child's ability to chew, swallow, and complete a feeding/meal safely and efficiently.

How are Pediatric Feeding Disorders Diagnosed?

Feeding disorders and difficulties can be diagnosed in a variety of ways. Some of the tests we do include:

  • Clinical feeding evaluation (similar to a regular meal at home. We will watch your child eat and drink and make observations about their abilities and areas for improvement)
  • Modified barium swallow exam (an x-ray to visualize the child swallowing food or liquid to test whether it may be entering the airway)

How are Pediatric Feeding Disorders Treated?

Our speech language pathologists can offer treatment that would include determining appropriate consistencies to offer, advancing the child's chewing skills, and/or expanding the accepted repertoire of foods. 

Podcast

Kerry Pearl, CCC-SLP shares symptoms of feeding or swallowing difficulty, pediatric dysphagia, and treatment options available. Listen:

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Otolaryngology – Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery

Whether you need a diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, or surgery for problems involving the ears, sinuses, oral cavity, throat, or neck, the Otolaryngology team is here to provide…
Otolaryngology – Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery