Pediatric Speech-Language Therapy

Our team of speech-language pathologists work with patients from birth to age 18. We evaluate and treat children who have medically-based difficulty with feeding and swallowing, as well as cognitive communication changes. We work closely with our patients and their families to provide a positive experience at the hospital.

Goals of Inpatient Speech-Language Pathology Services

• Create a safe and effective feeding plan that the patient and family can continue at home

• Identify cognitive-communication changes and the need for speech therapy

• Determine if a patient with a tracheostomy is able to use a speaking valve

Individuals Who May Benefit From Speech Therapy

• Traumatic injuries (Link to Emergency Care)

• Cardiopulmonary disorders (link to Pulmonary Care)

• Neurological disorders (link to Neurology)

• Premature birth (link to Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine)

• Cleft Lip and Palate (Link to plastics)

• Airway and Tracheostomy patients (Link to pulmonary and ENT)

Services

We serve all floors of UNC Children’s Hospital, including the following specialty areas:

• Pulmonary Care (link to Pulmonary Care)

• Ear, Nose and Throat (link to Ear, Nose and Throat)

• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (link to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)

• Trauma (link to Emergency Care)

• Newborn Critical Care Center (link to Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine)

• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (Link to Critical care)

• Special Infant Care Clinic (link to Special infant care clinic)

Feeding Team

Find comprehensive evaluations and personalized interventional treatments to help your child get the nutrition s/he needs from UNC Children’s multidisciplinary feeding team. Visit their website to learn more.

Family-Centered Care

Your family is important to us. During speech sessions, we will include you in your child’s plan of care. We believe you play a large role in your child’s recovery.