Atypical Deglutition Treatment: The Role of the Executive Function

By: Antonio Amitrano and Francesco Benso

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Synopsis: The book illustrates the most recent acquisitions in the field of motor learning and their applications in the treatment of atypical deglutition. Since weaning, the variation in foods and methods of food intake induces a modification of tongue movement patterns that progressively leads to the transition from infant to adult swallowing. In some children, however, this transition does not occur, resulting in the onset of atypical swallowing. This volume presents an innovative method for treating this disorder, the ABAED® method (Amitrano Benso Attention Executive and Swallowing), that was developed on the basis of the latest findings in motor learning. In ABAED®, the intervention for atypical swallowing is not directed towards re-educating orofacial musculature but towards the brain, focusing on learning the correct motor behaviour of adult swallowing. This is facilitated through conscious maneuvers that require significant executive attention and working memory resources. This book will be of interest to professionals and experts in the fields of motor learning, speech-language pathology, and dysphagia.