A "modified barium swallow" is a videofluoroscopic procedure. It assesses a child's ability to prepare food in the mouth and pass it through the throat to swallow.

The child is fed while seated in an upright or slightly reclined position. Barium is mixed with different consistences of food to allow it to be seen on X-ray. The movement of food is examined as it passes through the various structures of the mouth and throat. The procedure is typically videotaped for future reference.

Positioning, oral motor and other strategies may be used during the procedure to see if the swallow can be improved.

The Evaluation is done by:

• a Occupational Therapist
• a Speech-Language Pathologist
• Radiologist (from London Health Sciences Centre/Children's Hospital of Western Ontario)

The study will assess the coordination and efficiency of the swallow. It will also determine the risk for, or presence of aspiration of food into the airway. Specific problem areas may be identified.

Community Feeding Resource

was developed to provide support to community therapists working with preschoolers who have feeding issues.

The CFRG is an interdisciplinary team consisting of a Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, and a Psychologist (as requested by CFRG members). The CFRG is based at Thames Valley Children's Centre and is available to all therapists servicing preschool children in Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford counties.

The CFRG is available to provide assistance to community therapists in a variety of ways:

• Provision of general or topic-specific information, resources or handouts
• Review of a client videotape with the therapist
• Joint assessment and/or treatment session with the therapist and the client and family
• Organizing educational opportunities or inservices
• Feeding Frenzy - quarterly newsletter

Community Feeding Resource Group

was developed to provide support to community therapists working with preschoolers who have feeding issues.

In September 1999, the CFRG was formed through a partnership between TVCC and tykeTALK. The goal of CFRG is to support community therapists in their assessment of and intervention with preschoolers who have feeding issues.

The CFRG is an interdisciplinary team consisting of a Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, and a Psychologist (as requested by CFRG members). The CFRG is based at Thames Valley Children's Centre and is available to all therapists servicing preschool children in Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford counties.

What we offer:

The CFRG is available to provide assistance to community therapists in a variety of ways:

• Provision of general or topic-specific information, resources or handouts
• Review of a client videotape with the therapist
• Joint assessment and/or treatment session with the therapist and the client and family
• Organizing educational opportunities or inservices
• Feeding Frenzy - quarterly newsletter

The CFRG is available to provide assistance to community therapists in a variety of locations:

• By phone
• At the therapist's office or treatment location
• At the client's home or daycare