Complex Needs and Dysphagia

Children and young people (CYP) on the Complex Specific and Dysphagia pathway may have clinical needs that require an integrated approach to therapy with support from all three therapies (Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy). In this pathway we provide assessment and support for needs such as specialist seating and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).

 

Our physiotherapists focus on the development of physical skills, maximising physical function, independence, and where possible limiting secondary complications, enabling participation at home, school and in the community.

 

Therapists working in the Complex Specific and Dysphagia Pathway see CYP aged between 0 – 18 (sometimes up to 25 with an EHCP). We work with the CYP in clinics, homes, nurseries and Special Schools in Barnet. Some of the CYP on our caseload may attend mainstream school settings.

 

The CYP may be seen by Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists. The therapists in the pathway are also supported by highly skilled Integrated Therapy Assistants who work with the CYP and those around them to carry out the therapy programmes under supervision of the therapists.