SWALLOWING DISORDERS (DYSPHAGIA)
Dysphagia refers to a difficulty in swallowing. Although dysphagia can occur in anyone, it is more common in older adults following a neurological or ischemic (e.g. stroke) event or in children with developmental disabilities. Dysphagia varies in severity.
WARNING SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Multiple swallows required for food or liquid
Gagging, choking or coughing during or right after a swallow
Regurgitation of food or liquid
Sensation of food or liquid being “stuck” in some part of the throat or chest
Pain during swallowing
Loss of weight due to reduced nutritional intake
0-4 MONTH MILESTONES
Consuming liquid consistency
Suckling mother or bottle nipple
4-6 MONTH MILESTONES
Consuming purees
Suckling off a spoon
6-9 MONTH MILESTONES
Consuming purees and soft chewables
Drinking from a cup
Vertical munching
Limited lateral tongue movements
Assisted feeding with a spoon
Beginnings of finger feeding
9-12 MONTH MILESTONES
Consuming ground and lumpy purees
Drinking independently from a cup
Finger feeding
Grasping a spoon with whole hand
12-18 MONTH MILESTONES
Consuming all textures
Lateral tongue action emerges
Increased independence for feeding
Straw drinking
Scoops food and brings it to mouth
18-24 MONTH MILESTONES
Consuming more chewable food
Rotary chewing by 24 months
Increased food intake
24+ MONTH MILESTONES
Consuming tougher solids
Increased mature chewing for 'tougher' solids
Independent self feeding
Increased use of forks
Cup drinking with an open cup and no spilling
