Recorded Webinars
Parenting and Feeding: Contemporary Trends and Challenges
Originally Recorded April 22, 2026
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm ETPresenters:
Blair Carsone PhD, MOT, OTR/L, BCP; Sean Tams, PhD; Gabriela Echavarría-Moats, PhD; Alana Telesford, PhD
Abstract:
Parenting style (authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, underinvolved) impacts the strategies caregivers utilize to support their child’s eating as well as the therapeutic approaches and outcomes deemed acceptable for their family. Parenting style is a dynamic, reciprocal, contextually embedded process, requiring consideration of the systemic factors impacting caregiver behavior during mealtimes and feeding therapy. Though there has been a recent increase in low-demand parenting styles, there is limited guidance on how clinicians can identify and support specific parenting styles in the context of feeding therapy. The purpose of this session is to review common parenting styles, discuss the impact of environmental systems (including contemporary time periods) on parenting style, and apply this knowledge to discuss strategies for best supporting families across styles to improve their child’s feeding via case discussion.
Learning Outcomes: At the end of the presentation attendees will be able to:
- Describe the most common types of parenting styles
- Discuss the impact of nested environmental systems on parenting beliefs and behaviors
- Apply knowledge of parenting beliefs and behaviors on child feeding patterns and response to feeding interventions
- Discuss strategies for best supporting families of various parenting styles
Registration:
Physician, Psychologist
Speech-Language Pathologist, Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Registered Dietitians, and Nurse Practitioners
Transdisciplinary Down Syndrome Clinics
Originally Recorded on October 20, 2025
60 MinutesPresenters:
Angela Lombardo, MSW; Cori Myjak, MS, CCC-SLP; Meredith Close, MD; Katherine Pawlowski, MS; Carol Wilkinson, MD, PhD; Maria A. Stanley, MD, FAAP; Mary Marcus, MS, RDN, CSP, CD; Amy Lyle, MSSW, APSW; Jaclyn Bender, MS, OTR/L.
Abstract:
Patients with Down Syndrome benefit from care by transdisciplinary teams. Care topics include those related to feeding, oral and pharyngeal dysphagia, obesity as well as gross and fine motor, language, and psychosocial development. Team make up may include physicians, APPs, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, dietitians etc. The domains covered and disciplines represented mirror those of transdisciplinary teams who see patients with chronic pediatric feeding disorder. We as feeding professionals seek to learn about Down Syndrome transdisciplinary team function, logistics, team building and the care provided.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the facets of feeding challenges associated with Down Syndrome.
- Build and maintain a transdisciplinary team to treat a specific diagnosis.
- Treat feeding challenges in patients with developmental delays including Down Syndrome.
Registration:
Physician, Psychologist
Speech-Language Pathologist, Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Registered Dietitians, and Nurse Practitioners
All Hands on Deck: Navigating Dysphagia Management in Children with Down Syndrome with Heart, Teamwork, and Evidence Based Care
Originally Recorded on January 26, 2026
90 MinutesPresenters:
Arwen Jackson, MA CCC-SLP; Jenna Mathews, MOT, OTR/L, BCP, CLC; Abby Eno, RN BSN; Juan Ramos; Heidi Gawey, MSW, LCSW; Maegan Davis, RD; Emily DeBoer, MD
Abstract:
Swallowing challenges are common in children with Down syndrome (DS), with reports of around 50% of children being diagnosed with dysphagia at the time of a swallow study. These challenges are often compounded by co-occurring medical conditions and additional feeding concerns. This webinar will explore the specific feeding and swallowing differences frequently observed in this population as well as the multi-factorial nature of dysphagia management across developmental stages—from infancy through adolescence. We will delve into both the art and science of dysphagia management, emphasizing an interdisciplinary team approach. Each team member’s role, including speech language pathology, occupational therapy, pulmonology, nursing, nutrition, family navigation, and social work, will be highlighted to demonstrate the importance of teamwork in achieving effective, sustainable management for children with DS and dysphagia. Preliminary research will be shared on the impact of dysphagia on caregiver quality of life, as well as emerging evidence on the trajectory of dysphagia in this population. We will discuss how these findings guide clinical decision-making and supports.
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze and articulate the distinct roles and responsibilities within a multidisciplinary dysphagia team to optimize patient care.
- Explain the key feeding and swallowing challenges prevalent in children with Down syndrome, emphasizing their clinical implications.
- Evaluate and prioritize at least three critical factors to consider when managing dysphagia in children with Down syndrome to enhance patient and family outcomes.
Registration:
Physician, Psychologist
Speech-Language Pathologist, Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Registered Dietitians, and Nurse Practitioners
Dual Diagnosis, Double the Challenge: Feeding Strategies for Children with Down Syndrome and Autism
Originally recorded on March 18, 2026
60 MinutesPresenters:
Noemi Spinazzi, MD, FAAP; Lina Patel, PsyD
Abstract:
In this webinar, Dr. Patel and Dr. Spinazzi will review common feeding challenges in children with Down syndrome (DS) and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and will then delve into commonly encountered feeding challenges for children with a dual diagnosis of DS+ASD. The presentation will include strategies for understanding root causes of feeding challenges in this unique patient population, tips for identifying those patients at a higher risk for nutritional deficiencies, and behavioral techniques for supporting their progress with feeding.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify common feeding challenges experienced by children with Down syndrome and discuss underlying physiological and developmental factors
- List typical feeding difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder
- Describe how feeding concerns may present in children with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder, and analyze how overlapping features may influence assessment and intervention strategies.
- Formulate key clinical questions to assess the unique feeding profile of a child with co-occurring Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder, and identify potential medical complications associated with feeding difficulties in this population
- Discuss strategies to support feeding in children with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder.
Registration:
Physician, Psychologist
Speech-Language Pathologist, Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Registered Dietitians, and Nurse Practitioners
Developmental Feeding Support in Down Syndrome: Leveraging Anticipatory Guidance to Promote Health
Originally Recorded May 7, 2026
60 MinutesPresenters:
Tessa Kennedy CCC-SLP; Dominica Nichols, PhD, RD, LDN
Abstract:
Feeding interventions for children with Down syndrome support healthy weight through a developmentally staged approach that addresses early feeding difficulties to prevent undernutrition, followed by proactive obesity prevention strategies as children age. Reliance on ultra processed foods tends to be more significant when feeding difficulties persist in the long term. Early feeding interventions can help support access to a broad variety of textures, flavors, and ingredients, especially whole foods. This presentation will include a review of current literature as well as case studies that highlight the partnership between Feeding Specialist and Registered Dietitian.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe evidenced-based practices for addressing feeding difficulties in patients with Down syndrome.
- Identify clinical indications that would warrant referral to outside providers.
- Formulate family-friendly guidance to explain why pursuing feeding skill advancement should be a priority for health maintenance.
Registration:
Physician, Psychologist
Speech-Language Pathologist, Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Registered Dietitians, and Nurse Practitioners
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