Speech and Language Therapists (SaLT) have a role in the diagnosis and management of feeding and communication difficulties throughout a child or young person’s oncology journey. This includes early intervention during treatment to prevent aversive feeding in babies and toddlers; management of acute swallowing and communication difficulties immediately post surgery or during treatment; as well as support with long term feeding and communication difficulties resulting from disease and treatment.
Children and young people may also present with long standing or additional needs which impact on their feeding/ swallowing and communication. These may need addressing alongside their oncology needs and may be exacerbated by the oncology diagnosis. This can include support to participate and transition around the new hospital environment and procedures if they are receiving treatment.
Speech and Language Therapy sessions may be face to face or via video-link or via telephone support. They may take place in the acute setting, or in the community (home, clinic or school).
Communication difficulties include problems with speech, voice, understanding and expression of language and social communication. Feeding difficulties include problems with acceptance of food, sucking, chewing, and swallowing.
Changes to communication and feeding most often occur with surgeries and treatments involving the brain and/or head and neck regions. Prevention of aversive feeding behaviours is important for treatments impacting on appetite and gastric function, such as chemotherapy
Children may require specialist investigations by the SaLT to guide the management of communication or swallowing.
Qualifications
Speech & Language Therapists all hold degrees in Speech & Language Therapy. They must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Their national body in the UK is the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (RCSLT).
How to contact a Speech & Language Therapist
Refer as per the usual hospital or community referrals system. When the care is hospital based your oncology Multi-disciplinary team will usually refer. If you feel Speech and Language Therapy will be helpful, please talk to them about it. If you are at home it will usually be your GP or CNS who will refer or you may be referred by hospital SLT if they already know you.