This webinar will explore ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) in infants, focusing on its impact on feeding, speech, and overall oral function. The presenter will discuss the anatomy and physiology of ankyloglossia, evidence-based clinical assessment methods, as well as current trends and controversies surrounding its management. The course will emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment, including the decision-making process for surgical intervention and post-operative care.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of ankyloglossia in infants, including its impact on feeding, speech, and overall oral function
• Evaluate clinical assessment methods for diagnosing ankyloglossia in infants, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and the decision-making process for surgical interventions
• Analyze current trends and controversies in the management of ankyloglossia, including the role of frenotomy, post-operative care, and the influence of social media on caregiver decisions

Presenter Information

Hannah Tahhan-Jackson, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, IBCLC, CNT (she/her/hers) is a New York State and Connecticut State, bilingual (Spanish), licensed speech-language pathologist who received her undergraduate degree from Manhattanville College and a Master’s degree in speech-language pathology from New York Medical College (a medically oriented Master’s program). She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA, is a Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S), an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and a Certified Neonatal Therapist (CNT). Since the start of her career, Hannah has worked in a variety of acute care settings including the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and various multidisciplinary clinics working with children with aerodigestive anomalies/difficulties, velopharyngeal port dysfunction, muscular dystrophy, and craniofacial anomalies. In addition, she has provided speech-language and articulation therapy to children along the lifespan. She also serves as an adjunct professor at New York Medical College, training post-graduate licensed clinicians in pediatric feeding and swallowing. She specializes in complex, medically based feeding/swallowing disorders, as well as sensory and behaviorally based feeding difficulties. Her area of passion is working with infants with feeding and swallowing difficulties and providing education to caregivers/families.

Financial Disclosures:

• Financial compensation from ASHA for this presentation

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• None

Cheryl Hersh MA, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist at a tertiary children’s hospital and the program lead at MGH Feeding and Swallowing. Hersh's clinical focus is in aerodigestive disorders, including ankyloglossia, lip tie, and dysphagia.

Financial Disclosures:

• Financial compensation from ASHA for this presentation

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• None

Jonathan Walsh, MD, has a strong interest in the field of ankyloglossia and oral ties, supported by multiple publications, serving as assistant chair of a national consensus statement, and multiple presentations. Walsh has particular interest in evidence analysis and evidence-based management. Walsh is the Director of the Pediatric Multidisciplinary Aerodigestive Team and the Surgical Director of the Pediatric Thyroid Center. Additionally, Walsh is a member of the Johns Hopkins Vascular Anomalies and Fetal Therapy team. Walsh is the Associate Program Director for the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship and an Associate Residency Program Director for Johns Hopkins Otolaryngology.

Financial Disclosures:

• Financial compensation from ASHA for this presentation
• Education Consultant, Smith & Nephew
  

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• None

Assessment Type

Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.

To earn continuing education credit, you must complete and submit the learning assessment by the end date below.

Program History and CE Information

Live webinar: September 19, 2024
End date: September 21, 2029

This course is offered for 0.2 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area).