Pediatric Swallowing and Feeding

Book excerpt: Pediatric Swallowing and Feeding: Assessment and Management, Third Edition provides information to practitioners interested in and involved with children who demonstrate swallowing and feeding disorders. Since the 2002 publication of the second edition, there has been an exponential increase in the number of medically fragile and complex children with swallowing/feeding disorders. A corresponding proliferation in the related basic and clinical research has resulted in the increased appreciation of the complicated inter-relationships between structures and systems that contribute to swallowing/feeding development, function, and disorders. Case studies throughout the book provide examples for decision making and highlight salient points. New to the Third Edition: * Maureen A. Lefton-Greif, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is welcomed as co-editor. She brings extensive research expertise and clinical practice in pediatric dysphagia and feeding. * All chapters contain significant updated evidence-based research and clinical information. * New chapters focus on the genetic testing and conditions associated with swallowing and feeding disorders, and the pulmonary manifestations and management of aspiration. * World Health Organization (WHO) description of an International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) sets the stage for an in-depth discussion of clinical feeding evaluation procedures, interpretation, and management decision making. Pediatric Swallowing and Feeding continues to be the leading text on pediatric dysphagia that provides practical information for clinicians seeing children with swallowing and feeding disorders. The overall importance of an appropriate fund of knowledge and shared experience employing team approaches is emphasized throughout this third edition as in the earlier editions of this book. From the Foreword: "The Editors have recognized the advances and changes in the understanding in the information now available for the care of pediatric swallowing and feeding challenges. They have recruited an outstanding group of contributors for this newest edition. There are numerous critically important updates and additions in the third edition. They have included World Health Organizations International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health is the functional basis in all areas of the book. This text has its importance as there has been an increased number of children with complex medical and healthcare conditions which are risk for feeding and swallowing disorders. This edition stresses the need for team approaches and also documents the use of “virtual” teams ...Pediatric Swallowing and Feeding: Assessment and Management, Third Edition is the fundamental holistic source for all healthcare providers providing the care for swallowing and feeding in children. This book will be utilized by all caring for children with feeding and swallowing problems throughout the world. The previous editions have been and now this updated third edition continues to be the standard source for the information concerning diagnosis and care of these children." —Robert J. Ruben, MD, FAAP, FACS Distinguished University Professor Departments of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and Pediatrics Albert Einstein College of Medicine Montefiore Medical Center Bronx, New York