Understanding Paediatric Dysphagia
Dysphagia refers to difficulty with swallowing – something that can significantly affect a child’s health, development, nutrition, and quality of life. In babies and children, dysphagia may look like coughing or choking during meals, slow weight gain, refusal to eat, or taking an unusually long time to finish a feed.
At South West Kids Clinic, we understand how stressful feeding difficulties can be for families. That’s why we take a gentle, child-led, and evidence-based approach to help your child eat safely and comfortably. Our team of Speech Pathologists and Dietitians work closely with families to assess, treat, and support children with dysphagia across all ages and abilities.
What is Paediatric Dysphagia?
Paediatric dysphagia is a term used to describe feeding and swallowing difficulties in infants, toddlers, and children. It may affect one or more phases of swallowing: from getting food into the mouth, to chewing, moving it through the throat, and safely into the stomach.
Feeding is not just about nutrition – it’s also about bonding, comfort, and independence. When feeding is difficult or stressful, it can affect a child’s overall development and wellbeing, as well as cause anxiety or guilt for parents. But with the right support, feeding can become safer, easier, and more enjoyable again.
Signs & Symptoms
Children with dysphagia may present with:
- Coughing, gagging, or choking during feeds
- Refusal to eat certain textures or food groups
- Prolonged mealtimes
- Poor weight gain or growth concerns
- Frequent chest infections or respiratory illnesses
- Arching or distress during feeding
- Difficulty transitioning from bottle to solids
- Vomiting, reflux, or nasal regurgitation
- Sensory aversion to smells, tastes, or textures
- Weak suck, chew, or swallow coordination
Some children may also have underlying medical conditions (e.g. neurological, genetic, or muscular) that increase their risk of feeding challenges.
Causes & Risk Factors
Paediatric dysphagia may be caused by:
- Prematurity
- Neurological conditions (e.g. cerebral palsy, brain injury)
- Craniofacial anomalies (e.g. cleft palate)
- Reflux or GI issues
- Respiratory conditions
- Genetic syndromes
- Muscle weakness or incoordination
- Oral-motor skill delays
In many cases, there may be more than one contributing factor. A comprehensive team approach ensures that all aspects of your child’s feeding are considered.
Personalised Therapy Solutions We Can Implement
Speech Pathology for Paediatric Dysphagia
Speech pathologists are the primary therapists involved in assessing and treating dysphagia. We look at your child’s oral motor skills, swallowing safety, and feeding behaviours to create an individualised plan that prioritises both safety and mealtime success.
We provide:
- Comprehensive feeding and swallowing assessments
- Modified texture trials and swallow safety strategies
- Oral motor skill development and strengthening
- Transition support (e.g. bottle to solids, purees to chewables)
- Responsive feeding guidance
- Parent coaching for safe positioning and feeding techniques
- Collaboration with medical teams for VFSS or instrumental assessments (if required)
Dietetics for Paediatric Dysphagia
Nutrition is a key concern for many families navigating dysphagia. Our dietitians work closely with the speech pathologists to ensure your child is meeting their nutritional needs safely – whether through oral feeding, modified textures, or supplemental supports.
We offer:
- Growth and nutritional assessments
- Advice on safe and appropriate food choices
- Texture modification guidance
- Support for high-calorie or nutrient-rich meal planning
- Tube feeding monitoring and weaning support
- Strategies to manage reflux, constipation, or food aversion
- Family education to support positive mealtime routines
Physiotherapy for Paediatric Dysphagia
Physiotherapy is essential for children with Dysphagia to support their mobility, posture, and participation. We work on achieving motor milestones, improving balance, coordination, and preventing secondary complications like joint stiffness and muscle tightness.
Our physiotherapists offer:
- Optimal positioning for sitting for meals
- Development of trunk, head and neck control required for safe swallowing and feeding
Occupational Therapy for Paediatric Dysphagia
Occupational therapists help children with Dysphagia gain independence in everyday activities – dressing, feeding, playing, toileting, and learning. We also support adaptive equipment and environmental modifications to increase participation at home and school.
Our occupational therapists provide:
- Optimal positioning for sitting for meals
- Individualised equipment provision – such as modified cutlery or utensils or specialised seating for ideal positioning for eating and drinking
- Equipment and assistive technology prescription, monitoring and support
Why choose South West Kids Clinic to help your child with Paediatric Dysphagia?
- Gentle, respectful approach to feeding support
- Skilled therapists experienced in complex feeding needs
- Access to multidisciplinary input (speech, dietetics, OT, physio)
- Customised feeding programs that fit your child and family
- Strong communication with GPs, paediatricians, and hospitals
- Ongoing monitoring, education, and guidance at every step
We aim to make feeding a safer, calmer, and more positive experience for your child – and for you.
Support for families with a child with Paediatric Dysphagia
In addition to the services we provide, the following organisations are a great source for parents looking for more guidance in other areas provided by South West Kids Clinic:
Frequently asked questions
My baby coughs during feeding - should I be worried?
Frequent coughing, choking, or distress during feeding can be a sign of dysphagia. It’s important to have this assessed by a speech pathologist to ensure your child is swallowing safely.
My child is extremely picky - could it be more than just fussy eating?
Yes. Some children have underlying oral motor or sensory issues that impact their ability to chew, swallow, or tolerate certain textures. A feeding assessment can help uncover the cause and develop strategies to expand their diet safely.
What if my child is not gaining weight?
Our team includes dietitians who will assess your child’s growth, intake, and nutritional needs. We work together to create a plan that supports healthy development while respecting your child’s individual feeding needs.
Will my child outgrow their feeding problems?
Some children do improve with time, but others need targeted therapy to make progress. Early support can prevent long-term feeding issues and ensure safe nutrition.
Do you support tube-fed children?
Yes. We support both tube-fed and orally-fed children, including blended diets, tube weaning, and feeding readiness assessments. We work alongside your medical team to make safe and developmentally appropriate plans.
