Infant and child feeding and swallowing are complex processes that require integrating motor, sensory, neurological, cardiorespiratory, and gastrointestinal systems, and they are also sensitive to the child's environment and the parent-child feeding relationship. Occupational therapy practitioners are experts in the areas of motor control, sensory processing, and swallowing function, making them valuable members of the teams caring for these children. New to this edition are chapters on premature infants, structural defects, pediatric nutrition, and working with children with autism. This text provides evidence-based information on how feeding issues develop and present, clinical assessment, and intervention. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and current evidence, this text provides practical strategies to assess and address complex feeding and swallowing problems in infants and children.
