Breathing and eating are vital survival functions for any living being. But the presence of a cleft or other craniofacial anomaly can interfere with the normal breathing and swallowing process, affecting respiratory health, nutrition, oral-motor and speech development, and even parent-child bonding. Evaluating swallow function in a patient with a craniofacial anomaly can be quite complex and intimidating, but in this 3-hour intermediate course for SLP’s, you will discover some basic, easy-to-learn principles for analyzing how the anatomy impacts the physiology. Come learn the importance of taking into account the changes that occur over the course of the surgical intervention, therapy, and physical growth. You’ll walk away with strategies for addressing the resulting feeding issues and providing appropriate patient/family education in this population.
Craniofacial Anomalies and Feeding
Are you nervous about treating a child with cleft lip and/or cleft palate? In this course you’ll learn exactly how and why craniofacial anomalies affect feeding and breathing and how and when you can and cannot help.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the Chamber-Valve Model of swallowing anatomy and physiology and how it aids in predicting possible dysphagia issues.
- Explain common timeframes for growth and surgical milestones.
- Problem-solve possible strategies for addressing feeding issues caused by specific craniofacial anomalies.
Agenda:
20 minutes | Valve-Chamber Model of swallowing anatomy and physiology |
20 minutes | PreFeeding and Feeding Assessments |
25 minutes | Treatment Strategies for Cleft Lip |
20 minutes | Treatment Strategies for Cleft Palate |
10 minutes | Treatment Strategies for Cleft Lip and Palate |
15 minutes | Treatment Strategies for Micrognathia |
20 minutes | Other Issues |
Duration:
2 hours.About the Presenter:
Jennifer Meyer, M.A., CCC-SLP

Disclosures:
Financial:Jennifer Meyer is a co-owner of CEU-Espresso, Inc. and was paid an honorarium for this presentation. She owns a private practice, Feeding and Dysphagia Resources, P. C. in Denton, TX.
Non-financial:
Jennifer is a personal friend of the developer of the Res-Q Infant Wedge, sometimes mentioned in her presentations. Content Disclosure:
This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
Note: Participants must attend all sessions and complete all course requirements to receive a Continuing Education Certificate. No partial credit will be awarded.
![]() CEU Espresso is an Approved Provider for AOTA #11452 (OTs). This course provides 0.2 AOTA CEUs. AOTA Classification Codes: Category 1 Domain of OT: Activities of Daily Living Category 2 OT Process: Evaluation Category 2 OT Process: Intervention |
![]() CEU Espresso, Incorporated is an ASHA Approved CE Provider #ABFO. This course is offered for 0.2 ASHA CEUs (Advanced level, Professional area). ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures. |
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