[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last year, round about this time I wrote an open letter to the doctor who had diagnosed my daughter with autism. Even though I don’t think that it really made a difference to the doctor, I do hope that posting something so personal about our journey might have comforted or supported a parent somewhere who possibly just got the news of an autism diagnosis.

Being a parent to an autistic child can be daunting, overwhelming and lonely. I say lonely, because even if you have a solid support system, nobody really knows how it feels. My hopes and aspirations for Kaylin are just as high, as for any of my other children, because I know my child and I know the potential she has. She was recently assessed, by an educational psychologist, and we were told that she is only capable of attending a “special” school, where they are taught a craft or trade, so they can get by in life. Well that was a kick in the gut, I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Because while everyone else is complaining about how expensive school uniforms are, or how the school that “Johny” is attending doesn’t offer enough extra curricular activities, I’m standing here thinking “what am I going to do?” So yes it’s lonely, daunting and overwhelming, but we as parents, we knuckle down and we get on with it. However, knowing that there is a community of people out there, medical professionals included, who are supportive, patient and understanding makes a world of difference!

There’s a saying that goes it take a village to raise a child, well it takes an informed, open minded and tolerant village to raise an autistic child.

Written by Gretchen Hendricks[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What are swallowing / feeding disorders?
Swallowing disorders are often the result of structural weakness or dysfunction and result in difficulty with the actual act of moving food from the mouth to the tummy. Whereas, a feeding disorder is often behaviorally motivated and results in the refusal of or an aversion to food. These conditions can be present in people of all ages but are most commonly seen in the pediatric and geriatric populations. Feeding and swallowing disorders can occur concurrently or independently of one another.

Swallowing Disorders
Swallowing disorders, also commonly referred to as Dysphagia, can result from decreased function of the oral, pharyngeal or esophageal structures.

Signs & Symptoms of Swallowing Disorders:

• Coughing or choking with food or liquid
• Wet vocal quality (gurgly voice)
• Runny nose or watery eyes with meals
• Food refusal or prolonged feeding times
• Pneumonia or respiratory problems
• Low grade fever following meals
• Abnormal oral feeding/ difficulty chewing

Assessment and Treatment
Swallowing disorders can be identified and treated by a Speech ­Language Pathologist. In some cases a Modified Barium Swallow Study or Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Study is recommended to further assess the swallowing mechanism. Treatment of swallowing difficulties focuses on identifying a cause, determining the safest diet, and improving swallowing skills. Treatment may include altering food or liquid consistencies, proper positioning, improving muscle strength, tone, and coordination, and teaching compensatory strategies.

Feeding Disorders

Feeding disorders differ from swallowing disorders in that they are often behavior based. However, feeding disorders often occur concurrently or as the result of a swallowing disorder. For example, a child who was fed via a feeding tube may be orally averse and therefore present with a feeding disorder.

Signs and Symptoms of Feeding Disorders:

• Food aversion or refusal
• Failure to advance to age­appropriate foods
• Negative mealtime behaviors
• Excessive vomiting
• Gagging or choking
• Failure To Thrive

Assessment and Treatment

Feeding disorders can be diagnosed and treated by a Speech-Language Pathologist. Treatment will focus on identifying the cause of the disorder, developing a plan to address both behavioral and physical concomitants, and educating the family and caregivers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]