The criteria for registering with the Dysphagia Clinic are as follows:
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Clients must be under the age of 18;
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Clients must have a referral from a rehabilitation centre for physical disabilities or a rehabilitation centre for developmental disabilities that is responsible for coordinating their PSI.
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Clients with a severe swallowing disorder may be referred for a second-expert consultation when the disorder manifests itself in:
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Respiratory problems such as bronchitis, pneumonia or asthma that cause aspirations;
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Choking and a significant change in the sound of voice after eating;
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Constant refusal to eat and resistance to modifications in food texture;
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Significant height-weight delays in growth, weight loss or insufficient weight gain, slow growth (drop in growth rate);
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Persisting gastroesophageal reflux.