Episode 26: Relearning to Eat After Brain Injury

In this episode, pediatric feeding and swallowing specialist Jean Hawney shares how families can play an active role in their child’s feeding rehabilitation after a brain injury.Recorded in preparation for the Team Luke Hope for Minds Conference in Austin, Texas, Jean discusses what brain injury means—both traumatic and acquired—and how it can impact swallowing, oral-motor coordination, and self-feeding skills. She explains what dysphagia and aspiration are, how they’re diagnosed, and why collaboration among therapists, doctors, and caregivers is essential for recovery.Together with Dr. Taryn Townsend, Jean hopes to inspire caregivers to feel informed, supported, and empowered to ask questions, advocate for their children, and celebrate every small step forward in feeding success.