Feeding Through a Myofunctional Lens: Chewing, Oral Transit, and Functional Outcomes

This lecture presents a myofunctional lens for pediatric feeding that emphasizes how oral rest posture, lip seal/containment, jaw stability and grading, tongue lateralization/elevation, and cheek–tongue coordination directly influence chewing, bolus formation, oral transit, and swallow readiness. Participants will learn a practical assessment workflow that moves from rest to function to challenge using real-time observation with age-appropriate textures to identify patterns such as front chewing, overstuffing, pocketing, fatigue, and compensatory swallow behaviors. Clinical interpretation is paired with evidence-informed intervention planning: attendees will practice selecting functional feeding goals (texture progression, reduced meal duration, improved bolus management) alongside foundational targets that support motor pattern change.