Frame by Frame: Unlocking the Pediatric VFSS
Presented by: Kara Larson,M.S.,CCC-SLP
🗓️ COURSE AVAILABLE FROM OCTOBER 19, 2026 – OCTOBER 19, 2031
After this course, you will be able to…
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Apply a systematic framework for interpreting pediatric videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) across the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing.
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Identify key physiologic impairments and airway-protection findings on pediatric VFSS, including those that may not be associated with overt aspiration.
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Analyze VFSS findings within the context of the child’s medical history, feeding presentation, and clinical question to determine their clinical significance.
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Integrate VFSS findings to develop appropriate, evidence-based feeding and swallowing recommendations and identify when additional evaluation or intervention may be warranted.
COURSE CONTENT
AGENDA:
0–5 minutes | Welcome & Learning Objectives
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Introduce the goals and structure of the session
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Establish a systematic framework for pediatric videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) interpretation
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Brief discussion: *What makes pediatric VFSS interpretation unique?
5–15 minutes | Setting the Stage: What Are You Looking For?
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Purpose and clinical questions guiding a VFSS
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Importance of patient history and clinical presentation
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Understanding positioning, bolus consistency, delivery method, and other factors that influence interpretation
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Establishing an organized approach to viewing the study
15–30 minutes | Frame by Frame: Interpreting Swallowing Physiology
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Oral phase: bolus formation, containment, control, and transport
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Pharyngeal phase: timing, airway protection, pharyngeal clearance, and residue
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Recognizing patterns of impairment
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Distinguishing normal variation from clinically meaningful findings
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Moving beyond aspiration: interpreting the why behind the swallow
30–55 minutes | Case Studies: Putting Interpretation Into Practice
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Case 1: Infant with suspected aspiration
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Case 2: Child with pharyngeal residue and impaired airway protection
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Case 3: Medically complex child with multiple swallowing impairments
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Review selected VFSS clips and identify key findings and how to write safe oral feeding recommendations.
55–60 minutes | Key Takeaways
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Review the key principles for systematic pediatric VFSS interpretation
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Highlight practical strategies participants can implement immediately
SPEAKER INFORMATION & DISCLOSURES
Kara Larson serves as the Co-Director of the Center for Communication Enhancement and the Director of the Feeding & Swallowing Program in the Division of Otolaryngology & Center for Communication Enhancement at Boston Children’s Hospital. She has over 28 years of clinical experience in pediatric dysphagia. Kara focuses her clinical work and research in Pediatric Aerodigestive Disorders. She is part-time faculty at Boston University. Kara is President Elect of the Aerodigestive Society. Kara serves as Topic Co-Chair for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing for the 2026 ASHA Convention.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES:
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Paid Salary, Boston Children’s Hospital, Paid Salary Boston University, Paid a consulting fee by Medical SLP Collective,
NON-FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES:
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President Elect, Aerodigestive Soceity, Co-Chair Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Committee ASHA 2026
ADDITIONAL FAQS
Can I get ASHA CEUS for this Course?
To successfully complete this course, participants must receive complete the full quiz and receive at least 4/5 within 14 days of taking the course.
What is the Refund/Cancellation Policy?
Click here to view our policy: https://medslpcollective.com/cancellation-of-courses-and-events/
What can I do if I have a complaint?
Please contact us at info@medslpcollective.com
Who is this webinar appropriate for?
The target audience for this content is licensed speech-language pathologists. There are no prerequisite skills or knowledge needed beyond the basic speech-language pathology training and licensing.
What if I need special accommodations?
If you require accommodations to access these materials due to a disability, please email us at info@medslpcollective.com