Atypical Deglutition Treatment

The book illustrates the most recent acquisitions in the field of motor learning and their applications in the treatment of atypical deglutition. Since weaning, the variation in foods and methods of food intake induces a modification of tongue movement patterns that progressively leads to the transition from infant to adult swallowing. In some children, however, this transition does not occur, resulting in the onset of atypical swallowing. This volume presents an innovative method for treating this disorder, the ABAED(R) method (Amitrano Benso Attention Executive and Swallowing), that was developed on the basis of the latest findings in motor learning. In ABAED(R), the intervention for atypical swallowing is not directed towards re-educating orofacial musculature but towards the brain, focusing on learning the correct motor behaviour of adult swallowing. This is facilitated through conscious maneuvers that require significant executive attention and working memory resources. This book will be of interest to professionals and experts in the fields of motor learning, speech-language pathology, and dysphagia.

Antonio Amitrano is an educationalist, speech therapist, and professional counselor, specialized in clinical work and research in the field of swallowing and language disorders. He is a lecturer in post-basic training courses and in first-level master's programs in Deglutology at the Universities of Pisa and Turin. Additionally, he is the author and co-author of numerous scientific publications. Francesco Benso is a consultant for research on executive attention functions at the University of Trento. He is a lecturer, trainer, and consultant in cognitive and clinical neuroscience. He has taught neuroscience subjects at the Universities of Trento and Genoa. He is the creator of a wide range of tests and the Benso(R) Method treatment, applied in developmental disorders, adult traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly, learning phases in education, and enhancing individuals involved in arts and sports. His research activities primarily focus onthe management and creation of neurocognitive models.