Session Descriptions at Pediatric Aerodigestive Disorders: Fundamentals and Critical Thinking for SLPs

Pre-recorded sessions will be on-demand and last about an hour, so you can watch them whenever time permits! 

Guiding Care in Pediatric Airway and Aerodigestive Management
Melanie Stevens, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, and Jennifer L. Haney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

This session will focus on pediatric patients with complex aerodigestive circumstances, emphasizing feeding/swallowing and trach/speaking valves. The presenters will examine the role of the SLP and other members of the aerodigestive team and use case studies to discuss assessment and treatment in and beyond the clinic setting.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• identify two areas SLPs manage within an aerodigestive team setting
• discuss cross collaboration between aerodigestive team members and managing clinicians/providers
• discuss goals and outcomes related to case studies

Impact of Airway Development on Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing
Memorie M. Gosa, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

This session will review the dramatic changes that occur within the upper aerodigestive tract during the first 2 years of life and their impact on effective assessment and treatment of pediatric dysphagia. Additionally, this session will review common pediatric aerodigestive diagnoses known to impact safe and efficient oral intake.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• describe the anatomic and physiologic changes of the developing respiratory system during the first 2 years of life
• identify differences between the infant and the adult upper aerodigestive tract

Supporting Family-Centered Care for Children With Tracheostomies and Complex Airway Diagnoses
Ashley Brown, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, and Romaine F. Johnson, MD, MPH

This session will examine the quality-of-life impacts on caregivers of children with tracheostomies and complex airway diagnoses. Often, the day-to-day struggles these caregivers face greatly impacts their ability to attend, focus, and participate in treatment programs, which can alter the plan of care. The presenters will share research outcomes on caregiver quality-of-life as well as examples of program adaptation and treatment goals that are tailored for caregiver and patient success. The session will also address caregiver-focused goals of care and the role of the SLP to help caregivers align their goals of care with patient interventions.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• describe ways to support caregivers of children with tracheostomies and complex airway diagnoses within a variety of community and health care settings
• identify common societal and health care barriers caregivers of children with tracheostomies and complex airway diagnoses encounter

Critical Thinking in Complex Pediatric Airway Disorders: Medical and Surgical Considerations
Kayla Hernandez, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CNT, CLC, and Samantha Grenier, PA-C

Disorders of the airway can greatly impact a child's swallowing and feeding development. In this session, an SLP and a certified physician assistant will review the evaluation process as well as the medical and surgical interventions for specific airway disorders in children, including laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia, laryngeal cleft, and vocal cord paralysis. The presenters will discuss the unique considerations for management of dysphagia related to airway anomalies, including the SLP’s role in collaborating with otolaryngologists.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• provide evidence-based care to pediatric patients with dysphagia related to complex airway disorders
• explain the correlation between upper airway anatomy, respiration, and swallowing
• recommend appropriate diagnostic evaluations and referrals for patients presenting with dysphagia and possible upper airway anomalies

Oral Feeding Considerations for Infants and Children Who Require Respiratory Support
Carolyn Barnes, PhD, CCC-SLP

This session will explore various considerations for nutrition and hydration for infants and children who require–or have previously required–respiratory support. The speaker will address the impact of noninvasive respiratory supports on oral feeding safety and efficacy, risks of post-extubation dysphagia, and clinical considerations for specific populations.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• apply new concepts to clinical assessment and treatment plan development and implementation in the hospital setting
• evaluate the potential risks and/or benefits of orally feeding pediatric patients who require respiratory support
• explain risks of pediatric post-extubation dysphagia to colleagues and patient caregivers
• summarize the existing literature on orally feeding pediatric patients who require respiratory support

A Case-Based Approach to Supporting Young, Ventilator-Dependent Patients in the Intensive Care Unit
Kristin Szymanek, MA, CCC-SLP, and Amber Bonner, MS, CCC-SLP, CLS

This session will examine the unique communication and swallowing challenges ventilator-dependent infants and children face in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The presenters will share case studies that illustrate preferred practices as well as evidence-informed assessment and management for optimizing patient outcomes. The session will emphasize the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, and caregiver empowerment.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• apply evidence-informed assessment and management techniques with ventilator-dependent infants and children in the ICU
• describe the unique communication and swallowing challenges of pediatric, ventilator-dependent patients in the ICU
• describe methods for assessing communication and swallowing abilities and suggest specific interventions
• identify scenarios that highlight the importance of collaboration with the multidisciplinary team and family members while caring for ventilator-dependent infants and children

The Impact of Esophageal Disorders on Pediatric Swallowing and Feeding Difficulties: A Gastroenterologist's and Speech-Language Pathologist’s Perspective
Kayla Hernandez, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CNT, CLC, and Jessica Yasuda, MD

The oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases of swallowing all contribute to feeding and swallowing difficulties in children. In this session, a gastroenterologist and an SLP present together to explain disorders that impact the anatomy and/or physiology of the esophagus. The session will review the diagnosis, medical management, and feeding and swallowing management of disorders that may impact the esophageal phase of swallowing in children.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• explain common esophageal disorders that contribute to esophageal dysphagia and pediatric feeding disorders
• describe two congenital disorders that impact the esophageal phase of swallowing
• practice collaborative conversations with gastroenterologists to manage esophageal disorders
• explain the pros and cons of different instrumental assessments of swallowing for patients with esophageal disorders

Speaking Valve Candidacy and Use for Pediatric Patients
Laura Brooks, MEd, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

This session will describe how to determine which pediatric patients are and are not candidates for speaking valve applications. The presenter also will review how to measure airway patency to ensure that children can adequately exhale when wearing a speaking valve.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• list three main indications for a tracheostomy
• describe patients who are candidates for a speaking valve trial and how to assess airway patency
• list three contraindications to speaking valve placement
• define transtracheal pressure
• list three benefits of measuring transtracheal pressure
• explain the difference between ideal transtracheal pressure on the ventilator versus off the ventilator

Supporting Caregivers of Children with Aerodigestive Disorder
Brianna Miluk, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Tovah Feehan, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC

This session will offer an in-depth look at the lived experiences of caregivers and families with children who have aerodigestive disorders that impact feeding and swallowing. The presenters will share practical strategies to support caregivers and children as well as qualitative insights and real-life narratives to help you understand these families’ perspectives. Additionally, the session will highlight the role of SLPs in providing empathetic support and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance family advocacy and access to resources.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• identify at least three unique challenges faced by families in managing feeding and swallowing issues
• analyze how interdisciplinary collaboration can enhance family support, advocacy, and access to resources
• develop empathetic approaches to address the specific needs of caregivers and families

Navigating Complex Pediatric Aerodigestive Conditions: Problem-Solving With Experts in Action
Christina Rappazzo, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S; Chelsea Randall, MS, CCC-SLP BCS-S, CLC, CNT, NTMTC; and Deepak Mehta, MD

In this moderated session, a panel of SLPs and a pediatric otolaryngologist will explore a real-world pediatric case study involving complex aerodigestive diagnoses. The panel will present a hypothetical case study and navigate problem-solving and complex, critical thinking in real time, leveraging insights from otolaryngology and multidisciplinary team perspectives to address challenges as new problems within the case arise. Case study discussion will include diagnosing dysphagia and interpreting instrumental evaluations, treatment considerations like viscosity modifications, and medical intervention and collaboration between SLP and otolaryngology. Participants will gain valuable insights into the processes behind expert problem-solving and leave equipped with critical thinking strategies they can apply to their own practice.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• apply problem-solving strategies to practice
• develop and apply effective interventions to manage swallowing impairment in children with aerodigestive tract disorders
• analyze complex otolaryngology conditions and work collaboratively with team members to manage dysphagia

Pediatric Tracheostomy Care : Demystifying Otolaryngology and SLP Partnerships
Katy Peck, MA, CCC-SLP, CLE, BCS-S, and Christian Hochstim, MD, PhD

In this session, an SLP and an otolaryngologist will explore how the medical and surgical aspects of treating children with airway challenges integrate with the SLP’s plan of care. Speakers will walk through real-life case examples and operative videos of children with airway challenges, highlighting key etiologies and decision points related to tracheotomy timing. Speakers will explain how upper airway issues affect children’s voice, swallowing, and cognitive-linguistic development and share actionable strategies for collaboration.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• identify opportunities for otolaryngology and SLP collaboration and joint decision-making to optimize care for children with tracheostomies
• identify when a child would benefit from otolaryngology feedback and/or interventions to assist in care progression
• identify the optimal timing of SLP interventions (instrumental evaluations, voice treatments, etc.) in various case studies of pediatric patients with tracheostomies

The Anatomy and Physiology of Ventilation and Respiration
Tracy Edwards, RRT

This session will explore the connection between respiratory function, speech production, and swallowing. The presenter will explore key concepts of ventilation, gas exchange, and the mechanics of breathing, along with the impact of respiratory disorders on communication. The session will also cover assessment strategies, medical interventions such as tracheostomies, and care plan development to optimize speech and swallowing outcomes.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• describe the fundamental anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system
• explain how respiratory processes influence speech and swallowing
• assess the impact of respiratory function on speech and swallowing disorders
• develop specialized care plans to improve patient outcomes related to respiratory health, speech, and swallowing

We Go Together: Complex Case Studies in Speech-Language Pathology & Otolaryngology
Lauren Schrenk, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Julina Ongkasuwan, MD, FAAP, FACS

This session will focus on general airway management for infants and children, exploring complex case studies to illustrate collaborative care and decision-making between SLPs and otolaryngologists when managing pediatric airway disorders. Case study examples will highlight a decision-making framework as well as the importance of integrating current research with individual medical history, including medical comorbidities and their effects on swallowing and body systems.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• deliniate the roles and responsibilities of the SLP and otolaryngologist within the outpatient multidisciplinary team
• explain the importance of collaboration between SLPs and otolaryngologists for treating infants and children with upper airway disorders and dysphagia
• analyze medical history and risk factors associated with vocal fold immobility
• determine functional feeding and swallowing treatment goals for infants and children who have upper airway disorders

NG Tube to Oral Feedback: The Road Less Traveled
Rachel Rosen, MD, MPH; Kara Fletcher Larson, MS, CCC-SLP; and Toni Solari, RD, LDN

In this panel discussion, an SLP, a registered dietician, and a doctor will discuss implementation of thickened fluids, including the evidence base, options for orally fed and tube-fed children, and implementation in practice. They will also discuss weaning from thickened fluids, with case-based examples.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• analyze the use of thickeners in orally fed and tube-fed children, including appropriate product selection, mixing techniques, and considerations for human milk and formula compatibility
• evaluate the various thickening agents available for oral feeding in pediatric patients, including their properties, preparation methods, and safety considerations, to optimize nutritional and therapeutic outcomes
• identify clinical scenarios where thickening is recommended, including the management of reflux, aspiration, and other aerodigestive disorders, with an emphasis on patient-specific risk factors

"I loved how there were different perspectives on the same subject. I liked the tips and practical strategies that were provided."