Empty plate with knife and fork on it. Slight sheen of curry sauce that has been swiped up by a naan.

Came home hungry. Cooked curry and rice but forgot to take a photo! We often ask people with dysphagia to keep a record of what they’re eating & drinking. It’s easy to forget what you were meant to do though! #SwallowAware2026

Final session of the day. A drop in session to ask questions about research projects. Some great dissertations happening including one analysing the information on websites about dysphagia services. Where would I go for information if me/my child was newly diagnosed? #SwallowAware2026

A hot cross bun and a travel cup with beautiful blue tits decoration.

Snack to keep me going.. a hot cross bun. Faith and food are often linked. If I had dysphagia that stopped me eating certain foods. How could I feel I was fully participating in religious celebrations? #SwallowAware2026

Feedback & feed forward session with students on some coursework. We discussed how the hypothetical child ‘case’ might have eating & drinking difficulties related to their Autism diagnosis eg Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder or Paediatric Feeding Disorder #SwallowAware2026

Carrots and houmous in a pot with Smoothie beside.

Other activities for the morning include meeting an external lecturer, clinical supervision… Now brief lunch. I love variety in textures eg carrots & humous. However if I had difficulties chewing mixed textures might be too hard to manage #SwallowAware2026

Screenshot of screen before entering a MSTeams online meeting

First up is supervision. I’m at the end of my PhD studies. My research project has focussed on school-aged children with dysphagia. I’ve explored how speech & language therapists work with family-carers to create Safe, Efficient & Enjoyable Mealtimes. Not as easy as it may SEEM! #SwallowAware2026

I’m in the University today so breakfast to go. I’m still able to have my typical porridge with toppings. It’s a different thickness than my homemade. If I had dysphagia the texture difference could be a problem #SwallowAware2026

Infographic from the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists

It’s Swallowing Awareness Day today. As every year I will be posting what I’m eating & reflecting on people who have difficulties eating, drinking & swallowing. #Dysphagia #SwallowAware2026

People with #severeME sometimes have problems with swallowing. Nutritional support may be necessary to prevent life-threatening malnutrition.
#EndMalnutritionInME #SwallowAware2026