ABSTRACT
Dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) in the pediatric population is generally one component of a broad continuum of complex medical, health, and developmental problems and is common in infants and children with histories of prematurity, genetic syndromes, and neurologic disorders. Swallowing dysfunction may result in respiratory problems, stunted growth or nutritional compromise, and disruptions in the relationships between children and their caregivers. Early identification and appropriate treatment improve outcomes for these children and their caregivers.
