Pediatric Feeding: CAN-EAT Approach (Using Medical, Motor, and Behavioral Strategies)

Pediatric Feeding: CAN-EAT Approach

(Using Medical, Motor, and Behavior Strategies)

Presented By: Krisi Brackett, MS, SLP-CCC

Research indicates that the prevalence of pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders is 80% in the special needs population and 20% in typically developing children. Feeding problems come in all shapes and sizes from coughing and choking with meals, poor oral motor skill acquisition, food refusal, food selectivity, oral aversion, pocketing food, expelling, failure to thrive, dependence on tube feeding and more. Most therapists find their training inadequate to fully evaluate and treat such a variety of complex feeding problems.

This 2 day course will focus on evaluation and treatment of pediatric feeding disorders using the CAN-EAT APPROACH.

CAN = Comfort and Nutrition (Gut comfort and proper nutrition and growth first! As well as addressing medical issues such as dysphagia)

EAT = Establish Acceptance of easy textures, then Therapy for oral motor skill development and improving volume and variety of intake.

Learning Objectives: As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to....

1. Explain the complex nature of feeding and how feeding problems develop.
2. Prioritize intervention strategies resulting in the clients improved ability to orally feed.
3. Explain the hierachy or oral motor development as well as how to use oral motor exercises to achieve improved oral motor patterns.
4. Use behavioral feeding techniques to improve acceptance of bites or sips from a cup.
5. Recognize signs and symptoms of GI issues that interfere with successful feeding, verbalize common intervention practices, and identify ways to work successfully with the medical team for the success of the patient.

Registration will open at 8:00am and the workshop will begin at 8:30am. No one will be allowed into the class after this time. No exceptions.

This workshop is approved for 16 credit hours through ASHA.