Emel Tahir
Sessions
Title: What’s New in Pediatric Swallowing Assessment: Innovations and Future Directions
Description & Background: Pediatric dysphagia is a complex, multifactorial condition with significant implications on nutrition, growth, respiratory health, and quality of life. Assessment of swallowing in children requires a nuanced approach due to age-related anatomical and physiological differences, comorbid conditions, and limitations in cooperation or communication, particularly among infants and children with developmental delays.
In recent years, pediatric swallowing assessment has undergone notable advancements. Beyond conventional videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS), newer techniques such as fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), high-resolution pharyngeal manometry, pharyngeal impedance monitoring, and advanced salivary diagnostics are emerging as powerful tools. Additionally, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in interpreting imaging and developing wearable technologies and portable assessments signal a move towards personalised and non-invasive diagnostics.
This presentation will synthesize the latest evidence, showcase practical applications from a multidisciplinary pediatric swallowing and aerodigestive clinic, and propose frameworks for integrating novel tools into routine practice. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of an interdisciplinary approach involving otolaryngologists, speech-language pathologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, and nutritionists in developing individualized care pathways for children with swallowing difficulties.
Drawing from real-world clinical experience, the talk will explore gaps, especially in the pediatric normative data for newer technologies, and emphasise the need for international collaboration to develop standardised protocols and cross-disciplinary training models.
Outcome Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Describe the latest diagnostic innovations in pediatric swallowing assessment, including instrumental and non-instrumental methods.
Recognize the clinical value of a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to evaluating dysphagia in children.
Apply new knowledge in tailoring swallowing assessments for medically complex pediatric populations.
Identify emerging research directions, including the role of salivary biomarkers, AI-based analytics, and cross-disciplinary protocols in enhancing assessment accuracy and patient outcomes.
Develop ideas for collaborative international research and practice models to standardise and optimize pediatric swallowing evaluation globally.
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a valuable, minimally invasive tool for assessing oropharyngeal dysphagia. This presentation will provide an overview of FEES methodology, indications, and interpretation strategies in both acute and chronic care settings. Emphasis will be placed on its role in multidisciplinary dysphagia management, including collaboration between otolaryngologists, speech-language pathologists, and rehabilitation teams.
The session will include case-based examples to illustrate typical findings, safety considerations, and decision-making in diet modification and therapeutic planning. Attendees will gain practical insights into integrating FEES into routine clinical workflows and enhancing patient outcomes through accurate and timely swallowing assessment.