Carolina Speech and Language Center-Summerville

07/20/2025

This is a GREAT opportunity for families!!!!!!

07/12/2025

Yes!!!!

Save the date! 🗓️✨
The 2026 IAPFS Conference is being held live and in-person again September 24-26, 2026, at Children's Hospital Colorado in Denver, Colorado! 📍🏔️

Details will be updated soon on the IAPFS Conference page www.iapfs.org/convention-program/. 🔗

Call for Abstracts - Coming Soon! 📣✍️

If you have any questions, please contact the IAPFS Office at admin@iapfs.org 📧

07/11/2025

Yes!!!!!

07/10/2025

07/10/2025

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month🧠✨, a crucial time to spotlight the unique mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, & people of color (BIPOC) communities.

At IAPFS, we recognize how mental health impacts the entire family system when navigating pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders (PFDs).

Minority communities often face significant barriers to accessing mental healthcare, including:

Cultural perceptions and stigma surrounding mental illness can prevent individuals from seeking help. 🤫

A shortage of healthcare professionals who understand diverse cultural backgrounds and languages can hinder effective treatment. 🌍🗣️

Financial constraints, lack of insurance, and limited transportation can make accessing services difficult. 💸🚌

Systemic Racism & Experiences of discrimination can contribute to mental health issues and mistrust in the healthcare system. ⚖️

For families dealing with PFDs, these existing disparities can intensify the stress and isolation. Supporting a child with complex feeding needs requires immense emotional resilience, and it's vital that caregivers from minority backgrounds have equitable access to mental health resources.

This month, let's commit to:

Raising Awareness📢
Advocating for Culturally Sensitive Mental Healthcare🤝
Fostering Safe Spaces for Families. ❤️

Your mental well-being matters!

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, NAMI HelpLines are
here to help. 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text “HelpLine” to 62640, or find resources at nami.org/help.

07/06/2025

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

National Thank You Day, is observed on the first Sunday of July each year in the United Kingdom, and it is a special reminder to pause and express gratitude to those who make our lives better. ✨

As an international organization, today we recognize professionals in the UK who work with children with pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, their caregivers, and advocates. 🩺👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 We are thankful for the positive impact they have on the lives of those they provide care for and serve each and every day. 🌟❤️

With hearts full of gratitude, we join all of our colleagues and friends in the UK in taking pause to celebrate this day. 🎉😊

06/25/2025

🎈

After the pandemic, World WellBeing Week was created to celebrate all aspects of resilience and wellbeing, from caring for the environment to caring for ourselves and others physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Li and Guo in 2023 found that "The more time parents spent with their children, the higher their well-being. Parental accompaniment is an important determinant of children's well-being. Family education, guidance services, and mental health services should be strengthened, and it is necessary to improve the time spent with children and to pay attention to individual differences in children."

This research supports the notion and importance of including our parents in care planning, decision making, and therapy sessions to maximize a child's overall well-being. Join a multidisciplinary network of providers at IAPFS to continue to support those with PFD!

Li, D., & Guo, X. (2023). The effect of the time parents spend with children on children’s well-being. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1096128

06/24/2025

💦💧💦

💦Staying hydrated means you are getting enough fluids, usually water, to keep your body working as it should.

💧Young children are especially susceptible to dehydration because they cannot independently communicate their thirst to caregivers or access fluids.

💦Water is crucial for digestion as it acts as a lubricant, facilitating food movement through the digestive tract. It also helps break down food, aids in nutrient absorption, and prevents constipation.

💧Water is a key component of saliva and stomach acid, both vital for the digestive process.

🥤At IAPFS, we understand that ensuring adequate hydration can be an added layer of complexity for families whose children are navigating Pediatric Feeding Disorders (PFDs). Whether your child is working on accepting different liquids, managing textures, or has specific medical considerations, hydration is always a key part of their overall well-being and feeding journey.

06/21/2025

Summer is synonymous with BBQs, picnics, and gathering with loved ones! 🍔🍉

For families navigating Pediatric Feeding Disorders (PFDs), these social food-centered events can sometimes feel challenging.
But with a little preparation, everyone can feel included and enjoy the good times!

Here are some tips for a joyful social eating summer:

❤️ Host with Empathy (or Inform Your Host): If you're hosting, offer a variety of textures and safe foods, or ask guests about dietary needs. If you're a guest, gently inform your host about specific requirements or offer to bring a "safe" dish for your child.

🍽️ Focus Beyond the Plate: Remember, these gatherings are about connection! Encourage participation in games, storytelling, or helping with non-food tasks.

🤫 Create a Comfort Zone: Sometimes a quieter spot or a familiar toy can help your child feel more regulated amidst the hubbub.

🥤Prioritize Hydration: Especially in the summer heat, ensure easy access to preferred liquids.

Summer memories are built on shared moments, not just shared meals. Let's make sure every family feels welcome at the table – or the picnic blanket! 🧺☀️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

06/20/2025

🧬 Today is Rare Chromosome Awareness Day

Rare chromosome conditions can impact development in many ways — including the ability to feed and swallow safely. These challenges can make everyday nourishment complex and stressful, often requiring specialized care, patience, and support.

From tube feeding to oral-motor therapy, from nutrition planning to multidisciplinary care — early, compassionate, and expert intervention can make all the difference.

At the International Association of Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing (IAPFS), we stand with the incredible infants, children, and families affected by rare chromosome disorders.

06/19/2025

06/06/2025

Yes!

🎓 At IAPFS, we believe in the power of learning and the vital contributions of our student members. We value your passion, your fresh perspectives, and your commitment to the field of pediatric feeding disorders.

📚 Our student membership offers a pathway to connect with a global community dedicated to evidence-based practice and family-centered care.

📚 As a student member, you'll gain access to resources that will enrich your studies and prepare you for a successful career.

🎓 We're not just an organization; we're a community that invests in your growth.

📚 Discover the benefits of IAPFS student membership and join us in our mission to improve the lives of children with feeding challenges.

Visit www.IAPFS.org to become a student member today!