Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Difficulty with eating or drinking safely can affect children and adults. A speech pathologist assesses and helps manage it.
What you might notice
- Coughing, choking or a wet, gurgly voice during or after eating and drinking
- Meals taking a very long time, or food and drink refused
- Food or fluid coming back up, or pocketing in the cheeks
- In children: gagging on textures, a very limited range of foods, poor weight gain
- Recurrent chest infections
How we help
A speech pathologist assesses how you or your child manage different foods and fluids, and where the difficulty is. From there we recommend safe textures and fluid consistencies, positioning, pacing and mealtime strategies, and — for children — a graded plan to build tolerance of new foods. We work closely with your GP, paediatrician, dietitian or specialist, and refer for an instrumental swallow study where one is needed.
When to seek help
Swallowing difficulty can carry real risks (choking, aspiration, poor nutrition), so it is worth acting on promptly. If eating or drinking is unsafe, distressing or very restricted, talk to your GP and ask for a speech pathology referral, or contact us directly.
Common Questions
Still not sure? Call the clinic on 0493 719 759 and we'll talk it through.
Do you see adults as well as children?
Yes — dysphagia after stroke, with neurological conditions, and age-related changes, as well as paediatric feeding difficulties.
Can this be done by telehealth?
An initial discussion and some management coaching can be, but a first assessment of an unsafe swallow is usually done in person or in coordination with your medical team.