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In this episode of Say Yes to NMES, Craig is joined by Jo Grayson, Speech Pathologist at Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Australia, who shares one of the most powerful pediatric dysphagia cases she has ever treated.

Jo describes working with an infant who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, resulting in severe dysphagia, profound oral aversion, constant secretion management issues, and eventual PEG tube placement. After just nine sessions of NMES (VitalStim), Jo witnessed changes she describes as nothing short of “gobsmacking.”

This conversation walks through the clinical decision-making, medical collaboration, and real-life outcomes that transformed a child once expected to be tube-fed long-term into a fully oral eater - able to drink thin liquids, eat family meals, and live without suctioning.

This episode is essential listening for therapists, pediatricians, and families who want to understand what may be possible when traditional compensatory approaches are no longer enough.

Key Topics Covered

• Pediatric dysphagia following hypoxic brain injury
• The emotional toll of feeding disorders on families
• Secretion management and aspiration risk in infants
• Oral aversion after medical trauma and intubation
• Collaboration with pediatricians, dietitians, and hospitals
• Weaning from NG and PEG tubes
• Quality-of-life outcomes beyond mealtimes (swimming, daycare, social participation)

Why This Episode Matters

This episode powerfully illustrates that dysphagia is not just about eating—it affects breathing, safety, bonding, independence, recreation, and family life.

Jo’s story reinforces that:

• Even a short, intensive trial can dramatically alter prognosis
• Families deserve to know when a restorative option exists
• Quality-of-life outcomes often extend far beyond the dining table

Notable Quotes

• “I was gobsmacked.”
• “Nine sessions is actually a very small investment of time for something that can change a person’s entire life.”
• “This isn’t just about mealtimes—it’s about swimming, birthday parties, school, and family life.”
• “Why not try?”

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In this episode of Say Yes to NMES, Craig is joined by Joanna Fyffe, Speech Pathologist at Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Australia, to explore how neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES / VitalStim) is changing outcomes for children with complex disabilities and severe dysphagia.

Joanna shares real clinical cases demonstrating how intensive NMES therapy can dramatically improve secretion management, swallow frequency, hydration, and quality of life—not just for children, but for their families as well. From reducing 24-hour suctioning needs to helping a child avoid feeding-tube surgery altogether, this conversation highlights the broad and often unexpected benefits of NMES across the pediatric population.

This episode is essential listening for therapists, clinicians, and families seeking evidence-based, practical insights into dysphagia management beyond traditional feeding goals.

Key Topics Covered

• NMES as a “green-light” intervention for swallowing in cerebral palsy and similar conditions
• Intensive NMES delivery models (3×/week for 3 weeks)
• Managing secretions as a critical dysphagia outcome
• Reducing aspiration pneumonia risk
• Improving hydration and oral intake
• Avoiding PEG/G-tube placement
• Quality-of-life impact on families and caregivers
• Multidisciplinary coordination in pediatric dysphagia care

Why This Episode Matters

Dysphagia impacts far more than eating—it affects respiratory health, safety, comfort, social participation, and family stress. This episode demonstrates how NMES can be a powerful tool not only for feeding progression, but for long-term health and quality-of-life outcomes across the lifespan.

Notable Quotes

• “There is now at least one full day a week where she doesn’t need suctioning at all.”
• “The best exercise for swallowing is swallowing.”
• “Thickened fluids have a huge correlation with decreased quality of life.”
• “This therapy impacts the whole family, not just the client.”

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In this episode of Say Yes to NMES, I sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Harvey, a pediatric physical therapist and movement analysis expert with more than 20 years of experience working with medically complex children and their families. Elizabeth shares how her path led her into oral motor therapy and how she now combines NMES with sensory taping strategies to make a lasting difference in the lives of her patients.

We talk about the idea that “sensory drives motor” and how something as simple as a small piece of tape can extend the benefits of NMES well beyond the treatment session. Elizabeth also shares powerful success stories, including how targeting both the core and the oral motor system helped one child move past toe walking, make progress with feeding, and even begin speaking new words.

I think you’ll come away inspired by her approach and reminded of how interdisciplinary collaboration—whether PT, OT, or SLP—can bring new tools and new hope for patients and families facing the toughest challenges.