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Children’s Hospital's Feeding and Swallowing Center (FASC) provides assessment, treatment, and ongoing support and follow-up care for infants and children experiencing feeding difficulties. Feeding difficulties can develop for a variety of reasons (medical, anatomical/structural, developmental, behavioral, and/or psychosocial) and therefore require a comprehensive assessment. A comprehensive evaluation combined with appropriate referrals at an early age will produce the best outcomes for children and their families.
The FASC involves an interdisciplinary team of specialists who provide comprehensive assessment and treatment . The child’s care is coordinated among multiple staff members with an emphasis on ongoing family education, training, and support. Based on the child’s needs, the initial assessment may include input from one or more of the following specialists:
If your child experiences one or more of the following, they may benefit from an evaluation with the FASC:
To schedule an appointment call 412-692-3333 (option 1). To speak to the nurse call 412-692-3333 (option 2).
Upon arrival and completion of registration, you and your child will be greeted by a nurse or medical assistant. Some basic questions will be asked, then height and weight measurements will be taken on your child. You may have a short wait until seen by team.
Once the FASC team is ready, you will be escorted to team room. The team consists of a medical provider, a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, and a dietitian. Our lactation consultant and behavioral health specialist are available as needed. The team members will speak with you and obtain a detailed feeding history. The team then will observe your child eat foods and consume beverages that you have brought to the visit. The team room is equipped with a high-chair and small table available for use during the feeding evaluation. There is a microwave and bottle warmer as well. The team usually has a running discussion with you to let you know what their observations and assessments are during the feeding evaluation. Final recommendations will be discussed with you at the conclusion of the evaluation. These recommendations will be provided as a document for your reference; extra copies are also provided should your child already have therapists he or she is working with. You can expect your visit to last approximately 45-60 minutes.
If your child is over 12 months old, the FASC team may make a referral for feeding therapy. Outpatient feeding therapy is available with occupational and/or speech therapy at the following sites:
Children's Hospital's main campus is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Our main hospital address is:
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh One Children’s Hospital Way 4401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
In addition to the main hospital, Children's has many convenient locations in other neighborhoods throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
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To pay your bill online, please visit UPMC's online bill payment system.
Interested in giving to Children's Hospital? Support the hospital by making a donation online, joining our Heroes in Healing monthly donor program, or visiting our site to learn about the other ways you can give back.