What referral should a school nurse initiate for a child with muscular dystrophy who is having difficulty swallowing?

For a child with muscular dystrophy who is experiencing difficulty swallowing, initiating a referral to a speech-language therapist is essential. A speech-language therapist specializes in diagnosing and treating swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia. They can perform assessments to determine the cause and severity of the swallowing difficulties and develop appropriate interventions, which may include specific swallowing techniques or exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in the process.

While a dietician could provide valuable information on nutrition and dietary modifications to accommodate swallowing challenges, they do not specialize in the mechanics of swallowing itself, which is crucial in this scenario. A respiratory therapist focuses primarily on breathing and respiratory function rather than swallowing issues. An occupational therapist can assist with daily living skills and might address some aspects of feeding, but they do not have the same specialized training in swallowing disorders as a speech-language therapist. Thus, the most appropriate referral for this situation is to a speech-language therapist.