The traditional role of speech-language therapists as feeding specialists appears to have focused primarily on the mechanics of feeding disorders, without fully considering the impact of nutritional needs on a child's development and communication. The aim of the study was to investigate the experiences and perceptions of a group of speech-language therapists regarding nutritional issues in children requiring feeding therapy or early communication intervention. A qualitative research design was employed in the form of a descriptive survey and a questionnaire was compiled as the data collection instrument. Forty-nine questionnaires were delivered to speech-language therapists within the Johannesburg and Pretoria geographical areas, of which 32 were suitable for analysis. Closed ended questions were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics while responses to open-ended questions were categorized thematically. Results indicated that all respondents came into contact with clients who had, or who were at risk for, feeding disorders and nutritional deficiencies. However, findings revealed that during assessment and treatment of these clients, respondents tended to neglect issues related to nutrition, as well as psychosocial issues pertinent to feeding disorders. Furthermore, respondents appeared not to have fully realized the importance of their role as communication specialists within the feeding context. It was found that the majority of respondents were involved within a multidisciplinary team approach; however, the application of the more effective transdisciplinary approach was limited. This was confirmed by results revealing that collaboration with other professionals, such as dieticians, did not consistently occur. In terms of training, it was evident that respondents received the majority of their training in feeding therapy from continued education, which included aspects of nutrition. However, undergraduate training was perceived as having limitations within the theoretical content as well as practical application, and did not incorporate nutritional aspects. In light of the apparent need for a more holistic view of paediatric clients with feeding disorders, suggestions were made regarding the inclusion of vital nutritional issues and psychosocial factors within training and transdisciplinary service delivery in South Africa. Furthermore, relevant research topics within the field of paediatric feeding were presented. Broadening perspectives by means of holistic research and training may enhance service delivery to children with paediatric feeding disorders. / Dissertation (MCommPath)--University of Pretoria, 2002. / tm2015 / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / MCommPath / Unrestricted

Introduction: Caregivers of a child with severe intellectual disability (CWSID) often embody the sole provider of care for their CWSID. Due to the severity of the difficulties their CWSID may experience, these caregivers pose a variety of challenges when caring for their children. The demands placed on the caregiver could lead to high levels of caregiver burden which can influence the quality of child-caregiver relationship. This study evaluated the relationship between caring for a CWSID and the level of burden by using the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers. Additionally, the investigation aimed to identify potential risk factors faced by South African caregivers of CWSID that could possibly increase levels of caregiver burden. Lastly, the study proposed intervention practices that took into account both the potential risk factors identified, as well as the level of caregiver burden experienced to aid childcare. Method: Data were utilised from 218 South African caregivers of CWSID from all over the country. The study applied a quantitative approach and made use of a survey available online and paper based. The questionnaire comprised of two parts. Section A was a demographic questionnaire aimed at identifying possible risk factors to increase levels of burden and Section B covered the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Results: The majority of caregivers (67%) identified family as their main or only form of support structure. The study did not find any obvious risk factors that could indicate a relation between the level of burden and the different demographic factors. It was found that caregivers of CWSID experience moderate to severe levels of caregiver burden due to caring for their CWSID. Conclusion: As caregivers of CWSID experience severe levels of caregiver burden, the results of the present study indicate that caregivers experience this burden in various areas of living influencing their quality of life. It is recommended that a caseworker be assigned to each CWSID to decrease caregiver burden. Due to the fact that any possible contributing risk factors could not be successfully identified, further research is recommended. / Dissertation (MA (Speech-Language Pathology))--University of Pretoria, 2021. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / MA (Speech-Language Pathology) / Restricted