This text provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of pediatric swallowing and presents a practical, evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of swallowing difficulties in children. It highlights particular clinical challenges and controversies in the management of pediatric dysphagia. Part one of the text begins with an overview of the anatomy and physiology of swallowing, with a focus on normal development as we currently understand it. It also discusses new information regarding reflexive interactions between the larynx and esophagus that potentially influence swallowing, and the advantages and limitations of currently available diagnostic modalities. It highlights current controversies regarding frame rate, radiation exposure, breastfeeding infants, and grading of studies, as well as current literature regarding medical and behavioral-based therapy options. Part two addresses specific diagnoses which can cause or be associated with dysphagia such as prematurity, velopharyngeal insufficiency, ankyloglossia, laryngeal clefts, laryngomalacia, vocal fold paralysis, and cricopharyngeal dysfunction; and explores the pathophysiology and treatment options for each. Anatomic, inflammatory, and neuromuscular esophageal causes of dysphagia are also evaluated as well as the impact of craniofacial anomalies, sialorrhea, and psychological factors on swallowing.

Section I: Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Dysphagia.- Embryology and Anatomy.- Maturation of Infant Oral Feeding Skills.- Clinical Evaluation of Breastfed Infants with Dysphagia: A Lactation Consultant's Perspective.- Clinical Feeding-Swallow Evaluation: Overview for the Healthcare Provider.- The Videofluroscopic Swallow Study: A Basic Introduction for the Healthcare Provider.- Who Should Pass the Endoscope During a Fiberoptic Evaluation of Swallowing Procedure.- Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: Assessing Dysphagia in the Breastfeeding Patient.- Use of Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage in the Evaluation of Chronic Pulmonary Aspiration.- Diagnosis and Treatment of pediatric Dysphagia: Radiography.- Oromotor Therapy.- Adaptive Feeding Techniques and Positioning: An Occupational Therapist's Perspective.- Treatment for Dysphagia: A Speech Language Pathologist's Perspective.- Section II: Special Topics and Controversies in Pediatric Dysphagia.- Ankyloglossia.- Laryngeal Cleft.- Laryngomalacia, Supraglottoplasty & Feeding and Swallowing Disorders: Is there an Association?.- Vocal Fold Paralysis and Dysphagia: Challenges and Controversies.- Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction in Children.- Esophageal Dyphagia.- Impact of Non-Oral Feeding Methods on Feeding Development.- Secretion Management.- Dysphagia in Patients with Craniofacial Anomalies.- Psychological and Behavioral Disorders in Dysfunctional Feeding: Identification and Management.- The Role of a Multi-Disciplinary Aerodigestive Program.