What is the role of caregiver involvement in pediatric dysphagia therapy?

• A. Caregivers should not be involved in therapy.
• B. Caregiver training is essential to support at-home practice, ensure adherence, and reinforce strategies learned during clinic sessions.
• C. Caregivers should directly conduct all therapy without clinician supervision.
• D. Caregivers should only observe and not participate.

Answer: (B)

Caregiver involvement is essential because progress in pediatric dysphagia therapy depends on consistent, reinforced practice outside the clinic. When caregivers are trained, they can support at-home practice, follow the recommended feeding strategies, and reinforce what the clinician teaches during sessions. This ongoing practice helps skills generalize to daily meals, keeps practice intensity adequate, and supports safety by recognizing and responding to signs that require a pause or escalation. Clinicians provide guidance, coaching, and monitoring, ensuring strategies are applied correctly and safely. Other approaches that separate caregivers from the process or rely on caregivers to conduct therapy independently miss the critical benefit of carryover and supervision that sustains gains and protects the child during meals.