Centre for Language and Communication Science Research
  1. DOTDeaf
Language and Communication Science

Dysphagia

This group investigates issues relevant to dysphagia across the lifespan. We share an interest in differentiating between the needs of people with congenital, acquired and progressive disorders that impact on feeding, eating, drinking and swallowing.

Themes relevant to this group currently include: the evidence that supports intervention for people who have dysphagia, the importance of cognition in relation to the strategies used in therapy, parent and carer views about managing swallowing difficulties, the links, if any, between speech and oral motor development, how carers carry out and comply with strategies to minimise risk with those they are supporting in their daily lives, and communication during mealtimes.

Our current research portfolio includes neonatal feeding; alternative feeding and the social and emotional implications; assessment of change for children and adults with progressive disorders using simple clinical tools, and the mealtime communication dynamic and its impact on eating and drinking skills.