Meet Kash: Patient Success Story

Kash and Courtni’s (speech-language pathologist specializing in feeding therapy) paths crossed when Kash was only three months old. His mother sought feeding therapy to address concerns about Kash not being able to take his bottle, frequent vomiting, difficulty sleeping, poor weight gain, appearance of discomfort and even pain, weakness, and tight neck muscles. Courtni recognized these concerns and got to work with Kash and his family 2x/week to help this baby boy feel better and gain weight!

First, Courtni coordinated with Kash’s pediatrician to address his reflux symptoms with medication and assess different types of formulas to find one that would work the best for Kash. She also trained Kash’s mother on strategies to address his reflux through treatment sessions and their home program as well as began the Beckman Oral Motor Program to increase Kash’s oral motor skills. Kash was also referred to a gastroenterologist for help managing his reflux and vomiting and to assist with gaining weight due to him requiring multiple medication changes while Courtni worked with the family on thickening Kash’s formula and then transitioning to rice cereal and eventually puree foods. During this time, Courtni recommended occupational therapy services to address Kash’s neck tightness and weakness, which turned out to be torticollis, making Kash’s feeding experience even more difficult. With a dedicated medical team of therapists and physicians as well as a supportive family and mother who put every strategy given to her into action, Kash was able to begin eating without vomiting or reflux symptoms!

Fast forward ten months of hard work, and Kash is now eating a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy as well as drinking from a straw cup and eating from a spoon with decreased spillage. As a result of Kash’s progress and his mother’s success with their home program, Courtni was able to decrease feeding therapy services to 1x/week and will soon transition to consultative services.

Home health services were perfect for Kash and his family due to the flexibility of scheduling around Kash’s multiple appointments with physicians, weight checks, and his parents’ work schedules. This allowed Kash’s mother to be present for therapy visits and be an integral part of his progress through home program activities. Courtni is thrilled with Kash’s progress and so grateful to work with such a supportive family.