In the comprehensive evaluation of infants and children with swallowing and feeding problems, the importance of knowledge regarding underlying etiologies, status of nutrition and hydration, and upper airway/pulmonary status cannot be overstated. This video self-study presents “typical” development as a basis for evaluating oral skills and swallowing. Strategies for clinical observations and instrumental considerations are presented, and video clips of infants and children enhance the learning experience. This program covers infants including neonates and children up to age 10.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• identify factors in global development that are critical underpinnings for making decisions about oral feeding skills
• classify levels of airway obstruction and physiologic components in specific cases
• determine when an instrumental examination of swallowing is needed
• list three principles of clinical evaluation related to optimizing safety of oral feeding for infants and children
• analyze patient case studies through clinical observation and choose appropriate evaluation process