For seven-year-old Trevor and his family, eating and drinking safely requires careful support and planning. Trevor has dysphagia, a condition that affects a person’s ability to swallow safely.
Swallowing Awareness Day (18 March 2026) helps communities understand that even small, everyday moments like eating and drinking can be a challenge for children with dysphagia, and that the right support can make a meaningful difference.
A team around Trevor
Trevor is supported by Xavier Speech Pathologist Dawn and Dietitian Jenna. Together, they help Trevor’s family balance safe swallowing and good nutrition.
Iza shared that having guidance from the team has made a meaningful difference, helping her feel more confident in supporting Trevor at mealtimes.
Through their work, the team has introduced practical strategies that the family can use at home and on the go. Dawn’s guidance on recognising signs of difficulty, alongside tailored swallowing exercises and adapted equipment, supports Trevor to eat as safely as possible, while Jenna ensures his meals provide the nutrition he needs.
Iza explained that the team has supported both her and Trevor’s support workers to better understand how to reduce choking risks and what to watch for during meals, helping everyone feel more prepared when extra support is needed.
As Trevor’s energy levels can fluctuate, the team introduced flexible approaches to mealtimes, such as transitioning to puréed foods when he is more fatigued and may have more difficulty swallowing. This supports Trevor to continue participating in mealtimes, even when he is tired.
Building confidence at home
For Iza, the support from Xavier goes beyond practical guidance. She described the team as communicative and responsive, with consistent follow-up when needed.
She also shared that this support helps the family feel more confident that Trevor’s needs are being prioritised, and reassured knowing the team is there when support is needed.
This support has helped Trevor and his family feel more confident at mealtimes, allowing them to enjoy time together as a family.
We are here to help
If your child has dysphagia, our team of speech pathologists and dietitians can provide coordinated support and practical guidance. We will work with your child and your family to support safer mealtimes, build confidence and help your child participate more fully in everyday life.