Targeted Professional Audience
This session will be appropriate for physicians, speech/language pathologists, dieticians, occupational therapists, behaviorists or therapeutic support staff.
Abstract
Families and caregivers of children on the autism spectrum report a great number of challenging feeding problems in the majority of these children. These problems are often different from children in the general population. Dr. Borsett- Kanter will explore how various characteristics common to children on the autism spectrum express themselves as feeding problems with and without failure to thrive. These will include medical, sensory and behavioral issues.
The team members from each discipline will describe their roles and responsibilities in assessing these children in a multidisciplinary approach. Numerous examples with a variety of ages and a range of challenges from the very mild to the more severe case will be used in these presentations. The treatment protocols will be illustrated through a video case study of a child with autism. The study will review the treatment through the inpatient program at 2 years of age through the follow up treatment as an outpatient that has continued for the past 3 years . Occupational therapists will discuss some of the sensory strategies needed. The behaviors will be addressed through shaping and positive reinforcement strategies. Nutrition will review the changes made in his very limited diet to support his needs. Speech/language pathologists will discuss the need for oral motor work to increase his tolerance to tastes and transitions from a bottle to a straw at 4 years of age. This is a long, arduous process that takes a community of therapists, teachers, home supports and families. The journey to a regular diet is not finished but success has come in slow steady gains.
Marybeth Trapani-Hanasewych, M.S., CCC-SLP
Director of Speech/Language Therapy Department
The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh
Marybeth Trapani-Hanasewych, MS, CCC-SLP, is the Director of the Speech/Language Therapy Department at The Children’s Institute. She is an NDT Instructor in pediatrics and adults. Marybeth has worked at CI for the past 26 years. She has had numerous opportunities to teach courses related to feeding locally, nationally and internationally.
Matthew Bittner, M.S., OTR/L
Occupational Therapy Coordinator- Bridgeville Site
The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh
Matt Bittner, MS, OTR/L,a graduate of Duquesne University where he obtained a Master’s Degree of Occupational Therapy. He is the Occupational Therapy Coordinator at the Bridgeville Satellite of The Children’s Institute, an adjunct faculty member at Duquesne University, a Love and Logic Parent Facilitator, and certified in Therapeutic Listening ®.
Erin Murray, M.S., LPC
Behavior Coordinator for Functional Feeding Program
The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh
Erin Murray is the Behavioral Coordinator for the Functional Feeding program at The Children’s Institute. Erin obtained her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University with an emphasis in Infant Mental Health and child and adolescent counseling. Erin has worked at CI for six years.
Gina Salvatori, RD/LDN
Director of Clinical Nutrition
The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh
Gina Salvatori, RD/LDN, is the Director of Clinical Nutrition at The Children’s Institute. Gina obtained her Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Professions, Medical Dietetics from The Ohio State University. Gina has worked at The Children’s Institute for eight years.
Leslie Borsett-Kanter, MD
Director of Functional Feeding Program
The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh
Leslie Borsett-Kanter, MD, FAAP, joined The Children's Institute as the outpatient functional feeding team’s physician leader. She earned her medical degree from UF College of Medicine and completed a year of subspecialty training in learning disabilities, behavior management and ADD. She practiced at Scott & White Clinic and Hospital-Killeen Satellite.