Best practice recommendations for speech-language pathology in children with neuromuscular disorders: A Delphi-based consensus study.

Purpose: Speech-language pathology (SLP) is considered an essential intervention due to the high prevalence of dysphagia and dysarthria in paediatric neuromuscular disorders (pNMD). Evidence-based guidelines for SLP in pNMD are missing and children could be deprived the best of care. This study aimed to achieve consensus and present best practice recommendations on SLP intervention in pNMD.

Dysphagia and Dysarthria in Children with Neuromuscular Diseases, a Prevalence Study.

Background: Dysphagia and dysarthria are frequently described in pediatric neuromuscular diseases (pNMD). The consequences can be substantial: failure to thrive, malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, or communication problems. Early detection and identification of risk factors and etiology support preventing complications and morbidity, including impact on quality of life.