Outpatient Pediatric Services

What pediatric services do you provide for outpatients?

• Feeding and swallowing evaluations
• Modified Barium Swallow Study/Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study/ (MBSS/VFSS) or can be referred to as a Pharyngogram within this organization. 
• Transdisciplinary support within the Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (i.e. formerly known as Kirch Developmental Services Center). 
• Communication and feeding support within the Cleft and Craniofacial Center.

How are SLPs involved in feeding and swallowing evaluations?

Speech-Language Pathologists evaluate and treat children who have feeding and swallowing difficulties through a wide range of ages (birth to adolescence) and abilities. 

We work closely with families and referring physicians and providers to better understand feeding and swallowing difficulties.  This may often involve additional follow up or closely working with other disciplines depending on the needs identified.   These additional services may include collaboration with dieticians, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists, gastrointestinal specialists, Ear Nose Throat specialists, allergy specialists, as well as pulmonary specialists.

We help to identify current swallowing skills that support safe swallowing development.

Feeding and swallowing concerns

• Coughing, choking, and or gagging with eating and drinking
• History of aspiration or pneumonia or breathing issues related to feeding and swallowing
• Reliance on tube feeds and unsure how to transition to eating and drinking safely
• Difficulty with feeding and swallowing safety and efficiency
• Difficulty with oral motor, chewing, and swallowing skills
• Failure to advance textures and modalities
• Regurgitation
• Drooling
• Weight loss or not gaining and growing as expected

To schedule appointments

To schedule a feeding and swallowing evaluation, an instrumental swallowing test, or feeding and swallowing therapy, please call (585) 758-5730. 

Speech-Language Pathology evaluations & therapy

Our Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) are certified through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and are licensed by NYS.   We have the specialty training and expertise in evaluating and treating swallowing disorders. 

Before your appointment

After you schedule your child’s appointment, please be sure to fill out any questionnaires that are sent to you in preparation of your appointment.

You may self-refer if you are having concerns with your child’s feeding and swallowing skills.  You may also be guided to pursue an evaluation by your pediatrician or another medical provider.  Some insurance companies require that you get a referral or a prescription from your child’s pediatrician prior to your visit. 

Coverage for your child’s evaluation is dependent upon your specific insurance plan’s coverage and benefits.  You may need to call your insurance carrier to determine if anything is needed prior to the evaluation, such as a referral or prescription from your doctor.

Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to check in.  Please ensure you bring any paperwork or questionnaires sent to you prior to your appointment.

Your child’s evaluation will include: 

For a pediatric feeding and swallowing evaluation in the office/TELEMED:

1. The Speech Language Pathologist will discuss your feeding history, your current concerns, identify current food textures and liquids typically consumed as well as discuss your general feeding and swallowing concerns.
2. The Speech Language Pathologist will then observe a meal, snack, or feed to assess the skills, behaviors, and response to a variety of foods and liquids.
3. At the end of this evaluation, the Speech Language Pathologist will make recommendations for treatment and offer management options.

 For a Modified Barium Swallow Study (Pharyngogram) in Radiology:

1. The Speech Language Pathologist will meet with you to gather information regarding your feeding history, your current concerns, identify current food textures and liquids typically consumed as well as discuss your general feeding and swallowing concerns.
2. You will then move to the Radiology room to take images (pictures) of your child’s swallowing patterns through various textures and liquids. 
3. At the end of this evaluation, the Speech Language Pathologist will make recommendations for treatment and offer management options. 

Treatment may include:

Feeding and swallowing services are typically offered through the Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Clinic.  Services may be completed in conjunction with other members of the DBP feeding clinic, or solely with the Speech Language Pathologist.

Feeding and swallowing evaluations and therapies are individualized to each child and family based on their unique needs.  Frequency and duration of services will vary based on the child’s needs and may range from a consultative visit or two, to more routine visits.  Therapy visits may include meal observations, discussion and parent training to target goals of maximizing feeding and swallowing skills in the context of overall goals of supporting development and appropriate nutrition.  Concerns addressed may include maximizing feeding safety, increasing oral intake or advancing textures and foods accepted, diet modifications, and skill development.

Additional Information & URMC Collaborative Partners:

URMC Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Golisano Children's Hospital: Cleft and Craniofacial Center

Pediatric Dysphagia Information via the American Speech and Hearing Association