dysphagia?

teacherannie

If your LO was dx with dysphagia early (we were at 3 1/2 months) when was your follow-up swallow study?  We are at alomost 1 year, and the team that did the original study said they wouldn't repeat until 15-18 months, but that it might be closer to 2 years before he would "grow out of it."  Also, did you have trouble transitioning to real/finger foods?  We are doing pretty well with purees, but he just isn't into anything thicker/chunkier (except puffs:).  I have an appointment with an SLP in a few weeks.  If that doesn't help, I heard of a great feeding clinic.  Not super concerned yet (he's finally gaining well) since we are all around about 4 months behind anyway, especially with feeding.  Just wondering what others have experienced. 

AsOctoberFalls

My DS was diagnosed with oropharyngeal dysphagia at 8 months, so not early.  He has actually never had issues with weight gain or pneumonia or any of the other common dysphagia problems...the VFSS that triggered the diagnosis was ordered because of a chronic cough.  The cough, as it turns out, appears to be caused by reflux and not dysphagia.  It's still a bit sticky, as the pulmonologists are treating several different things - dysphagia, reflux, asthma - and we're not sure which meds are helping him.

Anyway... he never had trouble with solid foods at all.  They tested "pudding" consistency at the VFSS, and he was fine... no penetration.  He didn't like actual finger foods for a long time.  I kept trying, and one day (I think around 8 months) he just picked up the food and ate it, and he has ever since.  (The first food he accepted was shredded cheddar). 

After the dysphagia diagnosis, when he was 9 months old, he met with a team of 2 speech pathologists and a nutritionist.  They said his chewing and feeding skills were great for his age and his "menu" looked good.  He doesn't need any dietary modifications except thickener.  All his liquids have to be thickened to honey consistency (we use Simply Thick honey).  He can't even have soup, watermelon, ice cream, popsicles, liquid medication, etc. unless it's thickened.  It's a pain for bottles and things, and it took some getting used to, but he's ok with it now.  We're still struggling with sippy cups... trying to find one that works with the thickened liquids.

They want to repeat the VFSS at 15-18 months of age.  I think I'm going to schedule it closer to the 18 months so he has a better chance of outgrowing it, but we'll see.  I'll ask more at his next appointment with the speech pathologists.  (He sees them every 3 months).