Dysphagia

Dysphagia refers to difficulties with swallowing food, fluids, or saliva. Swallowing difficulties can impact nutrition, hydration, safety, health, and quality of life.

Speech pathologists play an important role in assessing and supporting safe swallowing and mealtime participation.

Our Approach

We provide supportive, individualised dysphagia assessment and management focused on safety, comfort, and quality of life.

Support may include:

  • Swallowing assessments

  • Mealtime observation

  • Recommendations for food and fluid textures

  • Strategies to support safer swallowing

  • Positioning and environmental recommendations

  • Caregiver and support team education

  • Collaborative support with medical and allied health teams

We work closely with families, carers, schools, disability supports, aged care staff, and other health professionals to ensure recommendations are practical and person-centred.

Signs of Swallowing Difficulties

Some common signs of dysphagia may include:

  • Coughing or choking during meals

  • Difficulty chewing food

  • Food getting “stuck”

  • Wet or gurgly voice after eating or drinking

  • Avoiding certain foods or textures

  • Recurrent chest infections

  • Pain or discomfort when swallowing

  • Prolonged mealtimes

  • Weight loss or dehydration

Who Can Experience Dysphagia?

Dysphagia can occur in both children and adults and may be associated with:

  • Stroke

  • Neurological conditions

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Brain injury

  • Developmental conditions

  • Disability

  • Age-related changes

  • Feeding and sensory difficulties

  • Medical or genetic conditions