Mealtime assessments are a type of assessment conducted by Speech Pathologists to evaluate an individual’s ability to safely and effectively eat and drink. Mealtime assessments are commonly used to assess individuals who may be at risk of choking, aspiration, or other feeding difficulties due to their medical conditions, age, or developmental delays.
During a mealtime assessment, a Speech Pathologist will observe the individual during mealtime, paying close attention to their oral-motor skills, swallowing abilities, and overall eating and drinking habits. The Speech Pathologist may also conduct a physical examination of the individual’s mouth and throat to identify any structural abnormalities or sensory issues that may be impacting their feeding abilities.
Based on the results of the assessment, the Speech Pathologist may recommend modifications to the individual’s mealtime environment, such as altering the texture or consistency of food or drink, modifying utensils or cups, or implementing specific feeding techniques to help the individual eat and drink more safely and effectively.