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In this episode of Say Yes to NMES, Craig is joined by Jo Grayson, Speech Pathologist at Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Australia, who shares one of the most powerful pediatric dysphagia cases she has ever treated.

Jo describes working with an infant who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, resulting in severe dysphagia, profound oral aversion, constant secretion management issues, and eventual PEG tube placement. After just nine sessions of NMES (VitalStim), Jo witnessed changes she describes as nothing short of “gobsmacking.”

This conversation walks through the clinical decision-making, medical collaboration, and real-life outcomes that transformed a child once expected to be tube-fed long-term into a fully oral eater - able to drink thin liquids, eat family meals, and live without suctioning.

This episode is essential listening for therapists, pediatricians, and families who want to understand what may be possible when traditional compensatory approaches are no longer enough.

Key Topics Covered

• Pediatric dysphagia following hypoxic brain injury
• The emotional toll of feeding disorders on families
• Secretion management and aspiration risk in infants
• Oral aversion after medical trauma and intubation
• Collaboration with pediatricians, dietitians, and hospitals
• Weaning from NG and PEG tubes
• Quality-of-life outcomes beyond mealtimes (swimming, daycare, social participation)

Why This Episode Matters

This episode powerfully illustrates that dysphagia is not just about eating—it affects breathing, safety, bonding, independence, recreation, and family life.

Jo’s story reinforces that:

• Even a short, intensive trial can dramatically alter prognosis
• Families deserve to know when a restorative option exists
• Quality-of-life outcomes often extend far beyond the dining table

Notable Quotes

• “I was gobsmacked.”
• “Nine sessions is actually a very small investment of time for something that can change a person’s entire life.”
• “This isn’t just about mealtimes—it’s about swimming, birthday parties, school, and family life.”
• “Why not try?”