Food Allergies and Pediatric Feeding Therapy

Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) is defined as impaired oral intake that is not age-appropriate and is associated with medical, nutritional, feeding skill, and/or psychosocial dysfunction. Food allergy is a complex immune disorder caused by specific genetic variants in combination with environmental and nutritional exposures, that falls under the medical domain of PFD and can directly impact the nutritional, feeding skill, and psychosocial domains of PFD. It is estimated that 33 million Americans have food allergies. 1 in 13 children have food allergies and an estimated 40% of those children have experienced a severe reaction.Professionals working with children with PFD must be up to date on the current recommendations on the introduction of solids (for those with and without familial history of food allergy), have a foundational knowledge of the various typesand clinical signs and how food allergies can directly impact oral motor development, feeding skill acquisition, and nutrition. Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists working with children with PFD are in a unique position to help mitigate the negative impacts that food allergies can have and increase the quality of life of both the child and the whole family unit.

The content of this program is germane to children, students and clients birth - 10 years.

Highlights

• The most current research on food allergies and the implications of introducing solids and advancing oral motor skills
• The difference between Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and Non-IgE mediated allergies
• Signs and symptoms of reactivity in children when introducing solids
• Practical intervention strategies for creatively advancing a child's oral motor skills with limited safe foods.

Target Audience: Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Speech-Language Pathologists