Early Feeding Transitions and Down Syndrome: How to Support Caregivers with Dr. Kelsey Thompson, PhD

Guest: Kelsey Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/early-feeding

Hosted by: Michelle Dawson MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S

Welcome to an insightful conversation between Michelle Dawson and Dr. Kelsey Thompson, a renowned pediatric feeding therapist and researcher. In this episode, they delve into critical issues in pediatric feeding therapy, discuss essential strategies for supporting infants with Down syndrome and preterm infants, and explore the importance of early intervention and advocacy in speech-language pathology.

📌 Episode Highlights:

- The impact of recent CMS updates on provisional licensure for speech-language pathologists.

- Exploring the unique needs and milestones in pediatric feeding therapy for infants with Down syndrome.

- The vital role of early intervention and parent-infant relationships in feeding development.

- Current gaps in research and the need for continued advocacy and support within pediatric feeding disorders.

⏰ Timeline:

00:00 – Introduction and recent CMS updates impacting speech-language pathologists

03:00 – Importance of advocacy in speech pathology

04:00 – Introduction to Dr. Kelsey Thompson

08:00 – Dr. Thompson’s path into pediatric speech therapy

11:00 – UNC’s Feeding Flock program overview

15:00 – Special interest in working with Down syndrome populations

19:00 – Developmental milestones and transitions in early feeding therapy

25:00 – Defining "complementary foods" and its role in pediatric feeding

30:00 – Findings from recent scoping review on Down syndrome and feeding

35:00 – Key transitions and interventions in early childhood feeding

40:00 – Clinical considerations and family support strategies

45:00 – Addressing realistic goals and collaboration among caregivers

50:00 – Importance of flexibility and adjusting therapy goals

55:00 – Critical resources for supporting infants with Down syndrome

01:00:00 – Addressing gaps in pediatrician training on feeding disorders

01:05:00 – Essential organizations and resources for caregivers and clinicians

01:10:00 – Wrapping up: Resources, future research directions, and contact information

🔗 Useful Resources Mentioned:

Feeding Matters: www.feedingmatters.org

National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders: swallowingdisorderfoundation.com

National Down Syndrome Society: www.ndss.org

📧 Contact Dr. Kelsey Thompson:

Email: kelsey_thompson@med.unc.edu

About the Guest: Kelsey Thompson, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist, research scientist, and mom of two little ones. Her research and clinical work center around supporting families through the introduction to solid foods, with the goal of preventing long-term pediatric feeding disorders and helping caregivers feel confident about feeding. Her research focuses on infants with Down syndrome and preterm infants and their families.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDdUnq3dwos