ASHA Provides Essential Resources for Pediatric Feeding Development During Awareness Month
May marks Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the challenges many families face when their young children struggle to eat. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), about 1 in 37 children under the age of five in the United States is affected by a pediatric feeding disorder (PFD). This condition can impact not only a child's health but also their overall development.
Feeding and swallowing are among the most complex functions performed by the human body. For infants and toddlers, learning to eat and drink involves a series of developmental milestones that occur from birth to three years, with certain skills emerging at specific age ranges. ASHA provides parents with a structured guideline that outlines these milestones, such as turning toward a nipple (0-3 months), self-feeding (6-9 months), and drinking from an open cup (12-18 months).
However, navigating these milestones can be confusing for parents. Not every child will reach each milestone at the same time, and it can often be hard for families to discern whether a child is facing an appropriate challenge or something more serious. For example, if a child fails to progress, loses previously acquired skills, or shows a consistent inability to meet several milestones, it is essential for parents to consult their pediatrician or a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP).
Pediatric feeding disorder is characterized by a significant impairment in oral intake that persists for at least two weeks and is associated with various medical, nutritional, or social-emotional issues. More than two million children in the U.S. experience some level of PFD, making it crucial for families to both understand feeding milestones and recognize warning signs of this disorder. Some notable warning signs of PFD include:
One particularly useful resource is a six-question screener from Feeding Matters, which can help families ascertain whether their child may be at risk for developing a PFD. Regardless of the results, parental instincts are paramount; if there are concerns, obtaining a feeding and swallowing evaluation from an SLP is advisable. Seeking help is critical, as PFD can lead to complications like dehydration, malnutrition, aspiration (food or liquid entering the windpipe), and potential lung infections.
To address feeding issues, SLPs offer a variety of strategies. Their expertise includes helping babies learn to manage sucking while breathing, improving the ability to drink from bottles or cups, adjusting food textures for safe swallowing, demonstrating better holding techniques for feeding, and encouraging children to explore new foods.
Resources provided by ASHA aim to not only inform families but also empower them to take decisive action in addressing feeding challenges. For further information on feeding milestones and PFD, families can visit ASHA's website. Collaborative efforts between caregivers, medical professionals, and families are essential to support young children during their crucial development years. Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding feeding issues and advocating for appropriate interventions when necessary. ASHA remains committed to providing resources that support children's health and development, fostering an environment where families can celebrate the milestones of their children’s progress toward healthy, joyful eating habits.
Feeding and swallowing are among the most complex functions performed by the human body. For infants and toddlers, learning to eat and drink involves a series of developmental milestones that occur from birth to three years, with certain skills emerging at specific age ranges. ASHA provides parents with a structured guideline that outlines these milestones, such as turning toward a nipple (0-3 months), self-feeding (6-9 months), and drinking from an open cup (12-18 months).
However, navigating these milestones can be confusing for parents. Not every child will reach each milestone at the same time, and it can often be hard for families to discern whether a child is facing an appropriate challenge or something more serious. For example, if a child fails to progress, loses previously acquired skills, or shows a consistent inability to meet several milestones, it is essential for parents to consult their pediatrician or a certified speech-language pathologist (SLP).
Pediatric feeding disorder is characterized by a significant impairment in oral intake that persists for at least two weeks and is associated with various medical, nutritional, or social-emotional issues. More than two million children in the U.S. experience some level of PFD, making it crucial for families to both understand feeding milestones and recognize warning signs of this disorder. Some notable warning signs of PFD include:
- - Arching back or turning away during feeding
- - Frequent vomiting beyond typical infant spit-up
- - Breathing difficulties or gagging when consuming food
- - Crying during mealtimes
- - A prolonged duration for meals (exceeding 30 minutes)
- - Weight gain challenges or weight loss
One particularly useful resource is a six-question screener from Feeding Matters, which can help families ascertain whether their child may be at risk for developing a PFD. Regardless of the results, parental instincts are paramount; if there are concerns, obtaining a feeding and swallowing evaluation from an SLP is advisable. Seeking help is critical, as PFD can lead to complications like dehydration, malnutrition, aspiration (food or liquid entering the windpipe), and potential lung infections.
To address feeding issues, SLPs offer a variety of strategies. Their expertise includes helping babies learn to manage sucking while breathing, improving the ability to drink from bottles or cups, adjusting food textures for safe swallowing, demonstrating better holding techniques for feeding, and encouraging children to explore new foods.
Resources provided by ASHA aim to not only inform families but also empower them to take decisive action in addressing feeding challenges. For further information on feeding milestones and PFD, families can visit ASHA's website. Collaborative efforts between caregivers, medical professionals, and families are essential to support young children during their crucial development years. Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding feeding issues and advocating for appropriate interventions when necessary. ASHA remains committed to providing resources that support children's health and development, fostering an environment where families can celebrate the milestones of their children’s progress toward healthy, joyful eating habits.
Topics Health）
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