Cooking for Dysphagia


and Other Swallowing Disorders

A Dysphagia Cookbook by Diane Wolff

Buy Now from the Mayo Clinic Press
Buy Now from CookingForDysphagia.com

My Contributions

Karen Sheffler, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S is a board certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders who teamed up with Diane Wolff and the Mayo Clinic Press to create chapters in this cookbook.

You Have Dysphagia: What’s Next?

This chapter provides detailed information on:

 

  • The diagnosis of dysphagia
  • What happens in a swallowing evaluation
  • Aspiration and how not all people who aspirate actually get sick with pneumonia
  • Dysphagia treatment options
  • Dysphagia management at home and in healthcare facilities
  • Person-centered care
  • Safer swallowing strategies
  • Managing the environment for mealtime success
  • Tips for holidays and travel
  • Infection control and aspiration pneumonia prevention (including limiting your aspiration pneumonia risk factors)
  • Final risk reduction tips and strategies

IDDSI: The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Iinitative

This chapter encourages the reader to use IDDSI.org resources, while summarizing the IDDSI documents: “Complete IDDSI Framework & Detailed Definitions“, “IDDSI Testing Methods“. Karen Sheffler created a handy chart to help you use these IDDSI tools in your kitchen every day.

This is a dysphagia cookbook image. The cookbook is called Cooking for Dysphagia and other Swallowing Problems: 101 Delicious Recipes and Techniques for Safe, Easy Eating. This incorporates IDDSI updates, The IDDSI Framework, Testing Methods, and how to transform your kitchen into a dysphagia kitchen, using the system that Diane Wolff created: The System of Cooking for Dysphagia.

National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders

Join us for a special conversation with swallowing specialist, Karen Sheffler, and author Diane Wolff, known for her practical and compassionate approach to dysphagia recipes and home cooking. In this session, Diane and Karen will share insights from their work supporting caregivers and families as they adapt everyday meals for safe and enjoyable swallowing.

Whether you’re new to dysphagia-friendly cooking or looking to expand your skills, this webinar will guide you in transforming your home kitchen into a space that empowers confidence, safety, and creativity.

Meet the Authors Webinar (Prerecorded)

During this webinar, you’ll learn:

  • The essential tools and equipment for a dysphagia-friendly kitchen
  • How to modify common meals to meet different texture and diet levels
  • Strategies for enhancing flavor, nutrition, and presentation without compromising safety
  • Tips for planning, shopping, and organizing your kitchen to simplify daily meal preparation
  • Practical guidance for caregivers, patients, and healthcare providers who support meal modifications

 

Who should attend?

Patients, caregivers, SLPs, dietitians, and anyone seeking approachable, real-world strategies for cooking and eating with dysphagia.

Resources

Check out these resources on Dysphagia cooking written by Diane Wolff and edited and designed by Karen Sheffler, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S of SwallowStudy.com: