Identifying and Managing Dysphagia Within the IDD Community

Course overview

Dysphagia can occur in all age groups and any degree of health, though it is often diagnosed in the elderly population, people with chronic diseases, and a variety of other causes, including structural or anatomical abnormalities, neurological or physiological concerns, and sensory and behavioral issues. People with IDD are especially at risk for developing dysphagia, and subsequent aspiration pneumonia, due to the often frequent inability to verbalize pain while swallowing, which is one of the various symptoms of dysphagia. The presenting speech-language pathologist will explain the assessment process of swallowing disorders, when and how to refer people for an assessment, various methods of managing dysphagia, and how to incorporate mealtime protocols into daily practice, including an overview of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative. A case study reviewing the assessment and management process of dysphagia will be reviewed and discussed.