When a child struggles with feeding, it’s easy to get laser-focused on oral-motor exercises or sensory strategies. But what if the root cause isn't a lack of coordination, but a struggle to breathe?

In this solo episode, Hallie Bulkin dives deep into a critical, yet frequently missed, component of pediatric feeding therapy: airway screening. Airway issues often hide in plain sight, quietly undermining feeding progress and leaving clinicians wondering why their traditional treatment plans have stalled.

Hallie breaks down the undeniable connection between airway health, posture, and feeding mechanics. She highlights the specific signs of airway obstruction every therapist should look out for, outlines clear referral pathways, and explains why screening the airway is fully within your scope of practice. If you want to elevate your clinical outcomes and treat the whole child with true clarity and intention, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Airway in Scope: Why airway screening is not a luxury or a sub-specialty—it is a foundational part of your clinical scope as a feeding therapist.
• Signs of Airway Obstruction: Recognizing the red flags of compromised breathing, from subtle mouth breathing and poor daytime posture to severe nighttime sleep disturbances.
• Feeding Mechanics & Tongue Position: How an unsupported airway forces compensatory tongue resting positions, instantly disrupting the mechanics required for safe and efficient chewing and swallowing.
• The Posture Connection: Why children with airway issues alter their head and neck alignment just to breathe, and how this compromised posture stalls feeding progress.
• Navigating the Referral Pathway: Knowing exactly when to step back and coordinate care with an ENT or airway-focused specialist before proceeding with direct feeding intervention.

Soundbites

"Airway screening is not outside your lane - it is a vital part of your scope as a feeding therapist."

"If a child is struggling to breathe, their nervous system will always prioritize oxygen over eating. Tongue position impacts feeding mechanics, but airway dictates tongue position."

"We cannot out-therapy an airway obstruction. Sleep disturbances and daytime breathing struggles will always affect feeding outcomes."

Timestamps

• 01:15 Why Airway Screening Matters
• 03:00 The Biggest Mistake Feeding Therapists Make
• 06:01 Why Airway Is Often Missed in Training
• 09:00 What Airway Dysfunction Looks Like
• 12:00 The Medical System's Blind Spot
• 15:02 Airway Screening: What to Look For
• 18:00 Real-World Case Results & Outcomes
• 21:00 How to Start Screening for Airway Issues
• 24:00 Final Thoughts & Resources 

Download the Packet here: https://www.feedthepeds.com/f-a-s-t-myo-screening-packet-3

WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

• Episode 371: When You Screen a Child and Think 'Now What?'
• Episode 369: The 4 Layers of Feeding: How to Finally Know Where to Start

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