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Role of occupational therapy in Dysphagia management for Children with special needs: A behavioural perspective

Joseph Bose H H

Eating is the most basic ADL (Activities for Daily Living) necessary for survival from birth until death. Dysphagia is a swallowing dissorder that can occur in any stage of swallowing. Occupational therapists are trained to assess and provide intervention in the process of eating. Occupational Therapy (OT) in Dysphagia Management includes assessment which provides performance issues involved in the task of eating (sensory motor, cognitive, behavioural, psycho-social etc) needed for the activity. This helps in the intervention, suggestion of an adaptation, modification or assistive technology device for a client as per the need. Behavioural feeding disorders in infants and children constitute a broad spectrum, ranging from mild issues that do not involve major health threats, to severe issues such as malnutrition and the need for enteral feedings. Occupational therapist provides training in the skills needed for feeding the child and/or training him or her in compensatory strategies and direct skill building.