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Managing Dysphagia in Adults with Intellectual Disability – Webinar Recording

Originally broadcast Wednesday, June 17, 5:00 pm Pacific




Webinar Description:  

Adults with intellectual disability are at risk for dysphagia.  The unique swallowing, feeding, and behavioral challenges experienced in this population are vital considerations in the assessment and treatment of these patients.  This webinar will discuss the nature of dysphagia management in adults with intellectual disability by exploring the current evidence in this area and discuss the clinical experiences of speech pathologists who assess and treat adults with intellectual disability in the Intermediate Care Setting.

At the completion of this webinar, participants will:

  • Understand the impacts of dysphagia in people with intellectual disability
  • Identify the systems that must be considered in the assessment and treatment of dysphagia in those with intellectual disability 
  • Anticipate the physical-nutritional needs of those with intellectual disability as they age
  • Describe the interdisciplinary team collaborations required to manage dysphagia in this population

Meet the Presenter

Melissa Farrow, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S


Melissa’s area of expertise is in the management of disordered swallowing in medically complex populations. Melissa earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Duquesne University in 2012 and since then, her passion for helping patients with swallowing problems has been the driving force of her career. Melissa is board certified as a Swallowing Specialist by the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, holds certification as a Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImp) clinician, and has earned four consecutive ACE awards from the ASHA for her exceptional commitment to continuing education in dysphagia.

Currently, Melissa works as a speech-language pathologist for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, where she serves as Chair of the Physical-Nutritional Management Team in caring for those with intellectual disabilities and complex medical conditions.  Melissa also conducts research in dysphagia management and oral care in those with intellectual disabilities and has been invited to present her work both regionally and nationally. She is also an active member of several organizations dedicated to advancing the art and science of swallowing and advocating for patients with swallowing disorders.


Cost: FREE. This webinar is free to all registrants. We recognize the financial hardship that is impacting many throughout the globe due to the pandemic. As a non-profit, we feel this too. The NFOSD wants to thank Bracco Diagnostics for their unrestricted education grant.


No ASHA CEUs are offered for this webinar.


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