This course is session four of the Empowering Providers Through Transforming Pediatric Feeding Journeys series and offers a trauma-informed, interprofessional look at pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders (PFD) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Kay Toomey, PhD, and Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, moderated by Rachel Conrad, MS, CCC-SLP, explore how psychologists and speech-language pathologists can work together to better understand and support children with complex feeding needs.
Through case-based examples and reflective discussion, this session examines how trauma, anxiety, caregiver-child dynamics, and past medical experiences can shape feeding development, participation, and treatment progress. Participants will consider how these factors show up in clinical care and how a trauma-informed approach can help create greater safety, trust, and support for both children and caregivers.
Grounded in collaboration, empowerment, and family-centered care, this course highlights the value of coordinated support across disciplines. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to recognize psychosocial barriers, implement supportive interventions, and determine when additional mental health referral may be appropriate as part of comprehensive feeding care.
Other courses in this series:
Session 1: It’s Not Picky Eating: A Foundation for Pediatric Feeding Disorder
Session 2: Interprofessional Management of the Medical Domain of Pediatric Feeding Disorder
Session 3: Social Context in Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders: NICU to Schools
Session 5: Interprofessional Management of Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders: A Case-Based Approach for Pediatricians and SLPs
Through case-based examples and reflective discussion, this session examines how trauma, anxiety, caregiver-child dynamics, and past medical experiences can shape feeding development, participation, and treatment progress. Participants will consider how these factors show up in clinical care and how a trauma-informed approach can help create greater safety, trust, and support for both children and caregivers.
Grounded in collaboration, empowerment, and family-centered care, this course highlights the value of coordinated support across disciplines. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to recognize psychosocial barriers, implement supportive interventions, and determine when additional mental health referral may be appropriate as part of comprehensive feeding care.
Other courses in this series:
Session 1: It’s Not Picky Eating: A Foundation for Pediatric Feeding Disorder
Session 2: Interprofessional Management of the Medical Domain of Pediatric Feeding Disorder
Session 3: Social Context in Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders: NICU to Schools
Session 5: Interprofessional Management of Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders: A Case-Based Approach for Pediatricians and SLPs
