First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****

Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP

In this episode, Michelle and Erin tackle three complex Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) Cases. Join them as they walk through the first steps of identifying signs and symptoms, navigate the complexity of the Interprofessional Practice diagnostic process, address some potential EBP treatment options, and then discuss a recovery plan for when the inevitable “kaboom” of a communication breakdown occurs between practitioners. If you have questions about the initial red flags for EOE, neurogenic-based PFD, and how to establish ideal communication between practitioners, then this is the Clinical Case Study Hour for you!

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****

Guest: Wyatt Franken

In this episode, Michelle is joined by Wyatt Franken, Augmentative Communication Consultant with Talk to Me Technologies. Wyatt, who has a BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Northern Iowa, is here today to talk about all the nitty gritty details that go on behind the scenes in the process of AAC trials. Have you been concerned about the options available? Curious about the trends in AAC? What about the little details, such as how do you get assistance with an AAC mount…or who orders those mounts? Have you wondered how long the typical AAC trial is? Or how many devices do most folks go through before they find the right one? Or…and this is the big one…have you been questioning what exactly is needed in an AAC report for submission and approval? Wonderful Wyatt is here to answer all those questions and more! So enjoy this behind-the-scenes look into the world of AAC!

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****

Guest: Dakota Sharp, AuD, CCC-A

In this episode, Michelle is joined by Dakota Sharp, AuD, CCC-A, a clinical assistant professor and audiologist at the University of South Carolina's Montgomery Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. Today, Dr. Dakota outlines the steps involved in the process of obtaining a cochlear implant. Have you ever wondered which one of your patients is a candidate for a CI? Or are you unfamiliar with hearing aid technology and unsure of the difference between a CI and other hearing devices? Or do you have a patient with a CI who has heard about newer features, and you want to share all the exciting news? Dr. Dakota will shed light on all the steps and is ready to answer your questions as well. Enjoy y’all!

Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined once again by her dynamite First Bite partner, Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, where they take on the topic of Clinical Supervision…for a newbie! The lovely Erin, like so many other SLP’s out there, is coming down the home stretch for when she can serve the next round of Clinicians as their Clinical Practicum Supervisor! There’s no better time than now to cover all the amazing supports, supervision requirement changes, research, and practical application strategies for being successful Supervisor! Have you thought about venturing into the world of Clinical Supervision, but not sure where to start? Michelle and Erin will share the fabulous resources to set you and your future students for success!

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****

Guest: Melissa Blandford, MS, RD, LDN

In this episode, Michelle is joined by Melissa Blandford, Development Manager for Real Food Blends for the East Coast. Melissa, who has over 20 years of experience working with enteral pediatric patients in the home setting, as well as with DME companies to assist with billing, insurance, and trouble shooting use and approval of enteral feedings in the home setting, is here for an hour to discuss all things EBP for Blenderized Tube Feedings (BTF). Have you worked with a little one with a tubie who has struggled with constipation, retching, GERD management issues? How about the little ones that also struggle with the sugar crashes between tube feedings…because their commercial tube feeds are primarily a “-ose” as in “fructose” or “sucrose”? Well then, join Michelle and Melissa for an hour of sugar-free delight while they fill your cup with evidence behind the need for putting real food in a tube!

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****

Guest: Dani Newcomb, MS CCC-SLP

In this episode, Michelle is joined by Dani Newcombe, MS, CCC-SLP, the delightfully candid Pediatric Feeding SLP blogger behind The Messy SLP, where she shares insights into what it's like to be a "messy perfectionist." Dani, who currently works as an SLP in an autism therapy center in South Bend, Indiana, has traveled the country in pursuit of her passion —delivering EBP Feeding Services to those in need. Today, she shares how we can work collaboratively with our ABA Colleagues in the somewhat contentious area of “Feeding”. Yes, you read that right, how to work collaboratively with ABA Colleagues in the world of Pediatric Feeding Disorders…and trust Dani and Michelle…it is possible! Enjoy the hour filled with real-life trials and tribulations, lessons learned from past failures, and how to set your tiny human up for Feeding Success!

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****

Guest: Sari Risen, M.A., CCC-SLP, Reg. CASLPO, BCBA

In this episode, Michelle is joined by Sari Risen, M.A., CCC-SLP, Reg. CASLPO, BCBA, from Toronto, Canada, and they tackle the complicated topic of ABA Therapy and Speech Therapy…within the framework of the fields working collaboratively! Join the ladies as Sari takes First Bite Listeners on an interprofessional education tour of the process it takes to earn a BCBA certification, explains the differences and similarities between the terminology of the ABA and SLP worlds, and shares the theory of language acquisition that forms the framework for the BCBA approach. Extra tidbit… there’s a mini crash course on the differences between licenses in the States and Canada! Here’s hoping that these crossroads conversations can lead to collaboration at a local level.

Co-Host: Erin Forward, MSP, CCC-SLP - In this episode Michelle is joined again by her regular First Bite Co-Host, Erin Forward, MSP CCC-SLP, and they share some recent research in the world of Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders! Today, Michelle and Erin address 5 different research articles covering everything from laryngomalacia and a supraglottaplasty repair to a systematic weaning protocol of thickened for little ones with a past medical history that includes aspiration. The ladies of First Bite are hitting up some of their favorite journals including “JAMA-Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery”, “The Journal of Pediatrics”, and “The Laryngoscope” to name a few! Enjoy the research review and how they build a bridge to real world applications of clinical case studies!

*** This episode is not available for ASHA CEUs.****

Guest: Angela McLeod, PhD, CCC-SLP

In this episode, Michelle is joined by Angela N. McLeod, PhD, CCC-SLP, a Clinical Associate Professor and Speech-Language Pathologist at the University of South Carolina, who has also obtained certification as a qualified orofacial myologist (QOM). Are you new to the words “orofacial myologist” and unclear about what it is and how it works within the field of Speech-Language Pathology? Have you worried that orofacial myology is synonymous with non-evidence-based oral motor exercises? Or, (like Michelle until just recently), are you too laboring upon the misinformation that all orofacial myologists are proponents of cutting tethered tissues? Join the gracious and compassionate Dr. Angela for an hour of myth-busting that is sure to inspire us all in our pursuit of additional coursework! Wahoo for EBP drive SLPs!

Guest: Marissa Kai - In this episode Michelle is joined by Marissa Kai is an Intuitive Eating nutritionist (soon-to-be Registered Dietitian), from @MaKaiNutrition on Instagram. For many of us, our relationship with food has changed drastically since the start of the pandemic…becoming either source of pleasure or stress. Comedic posts of the “Pandemic Pounds” and “Pandemic Beach Body” are plentiful on social media these days, but for some it only adds to the burden of their current situation. Marissa is here to help address the fears and turn mealtime for the SLP back into a source of mirth and merriment! Mindful Nutrition for the SLP’s soul and tastebuds is possible, so join us for an hour of self care straight from our pantry to yours!