# 306 CAN-EAT Approach …Using medical, motor, & therapy strategies in pediatric feeding
 
 
Pediatric feeding and swallowing problems that effect infants and children may be complex and often involve a combination of factors including issues that can make eating painful or difficult. In order to successfully remediate feeding problems, clinicians must understand how medical and nutritional issues can contribute to feeding disorders and use a comprehensive approach to intervention. The CAN-EAT Approach© is a 2-day workshop focusing on medical, nutritional, and therapeutic strategies for children with pediatric feeding disorders.
 
This course will allow participants to describe how pediatric feeding disorders are defined in the literature, what the contributing factors include, and how this relates to clinical practice. Identify primary gastrointestinal issues (gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, motility disorders, eosinophilic esophagitis, and visceral hyperalgesia) during a feeding evaluation and explain how these issues affect a child’s feeding skill development and ability to progress. Participants will analyze a child’s oral motor function and apply the knowledge in treatment making recommendations for appropriate diet, utensil use, and development of a therapy plan for skill development. Identify signs and symptoms of pharyngeal dysphagia or risk for pharyngeal dysphagia in a child and make appropriate recommendations for further assessment or treatment. Analyze moderate and complex pediatric feeding cases identifying barriers to feeding progression and apply principles to prioritize treatment strategies and write appropriate goals. Describe and apply examples of therapeutic techniques to reduce gagging, improve liquid and food acceptance, improve chewing skill, and wean from a feeding tube.
 
In the CAN-EAT Approach© “CAN” stands for comfort and nutrition which come first. Day one will focus on strategies to build GI comfort and good growth as well as explore other medical issues that interfere with feeding progression. Day two will focus on therapeutic strategies from a variety of philosophies. “EA” represents establishing acceptance of the spoon, easy textures or mealtime routine. Then “T” stands for therapy for skill development and feeding progression. Therapeutic strategies for common feeding problems will be explored in depth through lecture and video demonstration.
 
Information is applicable to infants and children from birth to 21 (class will discuss infants but is not focused on infant feeding issues)
 
Instructor: Krisi Brackett PhD, CCC-SLP, C/NDT
 
 
 
2025 Course Dates:
# 306 Web Conference on Friday- Saturday, July 18-19, 2025 (8:00 am - 4:00 pm EST)
# 306 Web Conference on Friday- Saturday, September 12-13, 2025 (8:00 am - 4:00 pm EST)
# 306 Onsite San Antonio, TX (Pediatric Therapy Associates) Friday- Saturday, October 3-4, 2025 (8:00 am - 4:30 pm EST)
# 306 Web Conference on Friday- Saturday, November 14-15, 2025 (8:00 am - 4:00 pm EST)
# 306 Web Conference on Friday- Saturday, December 5-6, 2025 (8:00 am - 4:00 pm EST)
 
REVIEWER'S COMMENTS:
 
This course offered so much information to help with evaluation and treatment of my patients.
 
I am leaving this course with clinical techniques and strategies that I will begin using immediately, as well as new problem solving skills.
 
I cannot wait to share this information with my team. I am going to be completing a presentation about the information and what I can offer to expand the services we provide to our EI clients.
 
This course was EXCELLENT! Packed with information and really helpful tools. I know I can begin implementing this in my work starting this week.
 
I enjoyed this course very much! The online format was great and I feel like I learned just as much as I would have, had it been in person. 
 
This was the best feeding course I have attended so far!