What’s New In Pediatric Swallowing Assessment: Innovations And Future Direction
09-12, 08:00–08:30 (Europe/Istanbul), Phon 4 + Swallowing (ICC - B3 Floor - 3B/36)

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:

  1. describe the latest diagnostic innovations in pediatric swallowing assessment, including instrumental and non-instrumental methods.

  2. recognize the clinical value of a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to evaluating dysphagia in children.

  3. apply new knowledge in tailoring swallowing assessments for medically complex pediatric populations.

  4. identify emerging research directions, including the role of salivary biomarkers, AI-based analytics, and cross-disciplinary protocols in enhancing assessment accuracy and patient outcomes.

  5. develop ideas for collaborative international research and practice models to standardise and optimize pediatric swallowing evaluation globally.

To present a state-of-the-art overview of recent advancements in swallowing assessment in children, focusing on integrating novel diagnostic technologies, interdisciplinary clinical frameworks, and future research directions. We aim to:

  • share innovative tools and methodologies that enhance diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making in pediatric dysphagia.

  • promote collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to swallowing assessment within pediatric aerodigestive care.

  • stimulate international dialogue and knowledge exchange on best practices, challenges, and opportunities in evaluating pediatric swallowing function.

  • highlighting underutilised and emerging techniques, including biomarkers, high-resolution imaging, and AI-supported diagnostics, is shaping the future of pediatric swallowing care.

Session Chair Session Chair
Emel Çadallı Tatar
Speaker Speaker
Jeyasakthy Saniasiaya
Jeyasakthy Saniasiaya

Jeyasakthy Saniasiaya is an Associate Professor and Consultant in Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology at Universiti Malaya. She completed Clinical Fellowship in Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology at Starship Children’s Hospital, New Zealand, and advanced training in Pediatric Audiovestibular Medicine at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool. She has been a Fellow of the European Board of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, since 2022.

Recognized among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University, she has over 200 publications and serves as Academic Editor for PLOS ONE and ENT Journal. She established pioneering pediatric Aerodigestive, Saliva Control and Vestibular services in Malaysia, her research focus is  exploring the role of biomarkers and AI in paediatric aerodigestive and vestibular disorders.

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Emel Çadallı Tatar

Emel Çadallı Tatar, M.D. is a Professor of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. She has graduated from Hacettepe University, School of Medicine in 1999 and completed her Otolaryngology residency in 2004 at the same university. She was an otolaryngologist between 2007-2010, an attending otolaryngologist between 2010-2013, an associate professor between 2013-2020 and a professor since 2020. She has over 110 articles published atnational/international journals and over 425 citations.

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