The role of the speech language pathologist in the diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment of children with feeding difficulties: a new vision/O papel do fonoaudiologo no diagnostico e tratamento multiprofissional da crianca com dificuldade alimentar: uma nova visao

The article reports the case study of a two year and six months old female patient, attended by a multidisciplinary team. Patient presented feeding difficulties such as food refusal, long lasting meals, oral-sensory defensiveness, anterior vomiting reflex and difficulties in chewing. She did not feed herself nor took part in family mealtimes. Presented gastro esophageal reflux, allergy to cow's milk protein and coughs followed by vomiting, without impairment of weight or height. The Mealtime Partners Program was method of treatment choice. After treatment of medical issues, the working method was established and initiated with oral sensorial development, followed by chewing development and associated to family guidance. Patient started having meals with the family and taking part in social mealtime routines. Duration of meals diminished and food refusal eliminated. Motor-oral system patterns improved significantly. Reassessment in 3 months showed reduction in gastroesophagealreflux symptoms and medication was removed. The nutritionist introduced dairy products with good acceptance. The Mealtime Partners Program, proved to be effective in the diagnostics and treatment of the feeding difficulties presented. The multidisciplinary team had a broad view of feeding difficulties presented by the patient, comprising motor, oral, organic and nutritional issues of feeding regarding the child's family background.