The purpose of this investigation was to determine the efficacy of a sensory- motor approach to feeding in children with pediatric dysphagia. Two preschool males participated in this investigation. One of the participants withdrew from the investigation during the initial intervention phase due to an illness not related to the investigation. Inclusion criterion included diagnoses of oral-pharyngeal dysphagia, neurological and/or genetic disorder, postural control (with or without seating adaptive equipment), and the ability to follow two step commands and understand the words open, close, bite, chew, and swallow as determined by a speech-language screening. Exclusion criterion were children with food aversions due to a sensory feeding disorder without oral-motor weakness or coordination impairments, and children deemed unsafe to consume solids per pre-test swallowing and feeding exam results conducted one week prior to the investigation by the speech-language pathologist. The investigation was held at a speech therapy clinic in Lincolnton, NC. Therapy was held during lunchtime three sessions a week for 4 weeks with 30 minutes per session. An Oral-Motor Feeding Assessment was conducted pre- and post- treatment. The Independent variable was the chewing hierarchy-modified (level 3) and food weight consumed was measured as the dependent variable. The design utilized in the investigation was an ABAB design. Overall, the participant demonstrated positive changes during the intervention phases compared to baseline. A slight improvement in food consumption was also observed during the withdrawal phase of the investigation. This improvement appeared to be due to carryover of a learned skill as evidenced by the observance of the participant executing the learned technique independently during this phase. These findings support previous studies, which suggested that the use of a sensory-motor approach might be beneficial in improving swallow function and food consumption in children with pediatric dysphagia. Based on this research, further investigative studies are warranted to analyze the impact of a sensory-motor approach to feeding with the pediatric population.
