Assesses and manages children aged 0 - 17 years with communication, feeding and swallowing disorders due to a medical condition.Pediatric Speech Language Pathologists focus on both communication and feeding and swallowing issues of children.
Communication issues may result from:
- Delayed or disordered articulation (pronunciation)
- Trouble understanding or using language
- Speaking in a non-fluent manner (stuttering)
- Speaking with an unusual voice quality or pitch
Feeding and/or swallowing problems associated with structural and motor disorders affecting the mouth, throat, airway, and digestive system and/or suspected aspiration and children with these issues may also benefit from a speech language therapist consultation.
Problems may include:
- Trouble coordinating swallowing with breathing
- Congestion during and/or after feeding
- Changes in colour or state during feeding
- Weight loss; choking; coughing
- Gagging during meals
- Frequent or lengthy colds / congestion or refusing food
Communication difficulties due to a complex medical condition are followed by specialized clinics at the Stollery Children's Hospital (e.g., Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic, Tracheotomy Clinic, or Oncology Clinic) which include an interdisciplinary approach to care.
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