Ethical Issues in Providing Services in Schools to Children With Swallowing and Feeding Disorders

Abstract

This article is a commentary and discussion of ethical issues in dysphagia services as related to school-based practice in speech-language pathology. A review of the literature on ethical issues in the provision of speech-language pathology services to individuals with dysphagia was conducted, with particular emphasis on students receiving school-based services. Issues in dysphagia management that were identified in the literature review are discussed from the perspective of biomedical ethics, professional ethics, and professional practice issues pertinent to the school setting. Considerations, suggestions, and resources for ethically responsive action on the part of the school-based speech-language pathologist are provided.