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Professor Celia Harding

Honorary Professor

School of Health & Medical Sciences Department of Allied Health

Contact details

About

Overview

Dr. Celia Harding trained as a speech and language therapist at University College London, graduating in 1986. She joined the Division of Language and Communication Science, City, University of London in October 2004 teaching and researching in the areas of disability across the lifespan, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), preterm infant development and dysphagia within paediatric conditions.

Prior to working at City, University of London, Dr.Harding worked for 20 years in the NHS full time. Clinical specialities included paediatric dysphagia, from neonates to teenagers, both in acute and community environments, and therapy supporting children with complex special needs including autistic spectrum conditions. Dr. Harding retained some weekly clinical sessions alongside her City, University of London academic post at The Royal Free hospital in the paediatric department, specifically working with neonates at both the Royal Free Hampstead site and Barnet Hospital. Much of Dr. Harding's published work has been undertaken at the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust.

Since September 2019, Dr. Harding retains an emerita Honorary Professor role at City, University of London.

Administrative roles

- NIHR Reviewer

- RCSLT Advisor for paediatric dysphagia and learning disabilities

Qualifications

  • Fellow, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, United Kingdom, October 2018
  • LDC Fellowship, City University London, United Kingdom
  • PhD, City, University of London, United Kingdom
  • MSc, City, University of London, United Kingdom
  • BSc (Hons), University College London, United Kingdom

Employment

  • Research Fellow, University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, October 2021 - present
  • Honorary Professor, City, University of London, United Kingdom, September 2019 - present
  • Member of the Editorial Review Board, Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, August 2019 - present
  • Expert Advisor, NICE Centre for Guidelines, October 2017 - present
  • Editorial Board Member, Infant Journal, September 2016 - present
  • Advisor and Programme moderator for the Nordorff-Robbins and Guildhall School of Music therapy courses, City University London, United Kingdom, September 2010 - August 2019
  • Editorial Board Member, Tizard Learning Disability Review, August 2010 - present
  • External Examiner, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, May 2010 - August 2019
  • Visiting Lecturer, University College London, United Kingdom, September 2000 - August 2019

Fellowships

  • Fellow of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, RCSLT, October 2018 - present
  • LDC Fellowship

Memberships of committees

  • Member, NICE follow up of preterm babies guidelines committee

Memberships of professional organisations

  • Member RC0008274, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
  • SL02314 (Rtd), Health and Care Professions Council
  • Member, European Society for Swallowing Disorders (ESSD)

Awards

  • Burdett Trust for Nursing Grant (2021). Clinical investigation grant £9,770
    Exploring neonatal nurses & parents understanding of the factors that enhance and hinder communication & early interaction between preterm infants & their parents. **In collaboration with Dr. J.Petty, and Dr. L.Whiting, University of Hertfordshire.
  • NIHR (2019). Delivering safe and effective nutrition and hydration care to residents with dysphagia: A theory- based approach to delivering a link dysphagia practitioner.
    NIHR grant 203164 Delivering safe and effective nutrition and hydration care to residents with dysphagia: A theory- based approach to delivering a link dysphagia practitioner. (In collaboration with UEL) £137,481 Tingle, J., Wilson, J., Loveday, H., Harding, C., Harrison, K.
  • City, University of London (2018). School of Health Sciences Staff Award
    Exceptional Contribution to Student Experience (Academic)
  • Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust (2018). Outstanding Staff Celebrations & Reward Awards (OSCAR)
    Recommended for 'Clinician of the Year' OSCAR
  • City, University of London (2017). Shortlisted - Learning Enhancement Awards
    Shortlisted for Personal Tutoring Award
  • Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust (2016). Outstanding Staff Celebrations & Rewards
    Recommended for Outstanding Staff Celebrations & Rewards Award (OSCAR) by the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust for clinician of the year
  • Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (2016). Nursing Development Award
    Oral Readiness in Preterm Infants. Harding, C., Levin, A., Mynard, A., Wyles, K. and Cane, C.
  • Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust (2016). Outstanding Staff Celebrations & Reward Awards (OSCAR)
    Recommended for 'Clinician of the Year' OSCAR
  • National Institute for Health Research (2016). Grant
    How do different neurodisability services meet the psychosocial support needs of children/young people with feeding disabilities and their families: a national survey and case study approach to mapping and costing service models, care pathways and the child and family experience. £ 376,000, Craig, Harding et a
  • Emerald Literati Network (2014). Emerald Literati Network Award for Excellence
  • Royal Free Hospital (2009). Pump Priming Award
    Pump Priming Award to research hunger provocation approaches with Abi Faiman, Julie Wright. £4,529.21
  • Imperial College Health Care NHS Trust (2008). Pump Priming Award
    Pump Priming Award to research paediatric straw use with A. Aloysius, Senior Clinical Specialist speech and language therapist. £4,529.21

Teaching

Modules taught on

- SL3003 / SLM009  Language , Cognition and Communication Disabilities - Module Leader, and Learning Disability Lecturer for this module
- SL2005 / SLM004 Speech, Communication and Swallowing Difficulties
- SLM010 / SL3004 / SL3008 , Intervention studies for Pre-registration PG2 group, BSc3 and BSc4
- SL1004 - Social Context
- HCM007 - Dysphagia (post registration module) Joint Module Leader and lecturer
- HCM021 Case based clinical application
- Paediatric Dysphagia - taught at UCL

Research

Research overview

- Using non-nutritive sucking and its assumed relationship in the development of functional oral feeding skills, including early identification of infant communication signs

- Disability issues including the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), language acquisition needs of people with disabilities, and peer tutoring for people with disabilities across the lifespan

- Dysphagia in relation to congenital disorders; what therapy is used, and what is effective to minimise risk

Research areas

- Using non-nutritive sucking and its assumed relationship in the development of functional oral feeding skills, including early identification of infant communication signs

- Disability issues including the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), language acquisition needs of people with disabilities, and peer tutoring for people with disabilities across the lifespan

- Dysphagia in relation to congenital disorders: what therapy is used, and what is effective to minimise risk

Current and recently completed grants / Activities

Currently applying for grants in the area of neonatal feeding development and pervasive feeding disorders with children who have complex physical and learning needs

Principal collaborators

- Helen Cockerill, Consultant speech and language therapist, Evelina Childrens Hospital currently writing up a paper on parent perceptions of the benefits of videofluoroscopy

- Annie Aloysius, Senior Clinical Specialist speech and language therapist, (Neonatology) Imperial College Health Care NHS Trust jointly working on straw use across the lifespan and clinical application of this knowledge

- Currently on working groups for NIHR grants to investigate neonatal feeding and development.

Research students

Undergraduate

Further information: - A survey of AAC use in specialist disability provision - An evaluation of straw use across the lifespan and how this data can be used in clinical assessment

Postgraduate

Further information: - A survey of AAC use in specialist disability provision - Assessment of oral readiness in neonates - Gesture and its relevance to naming ability in learning disability

MRes student

Thesis title: Quality of movement in children with Cerebral Palsy following dorsal rhizotomy surgery

Publications

Publications by category

Books (2)

  • Cocks, N. and Harding, Celia, (2011). The Dysphagia Placement Workbook. ISBN 9781907826061.
  • Harding, C. (Ed.), Developing Clinical Skills in Dysphagia: A guide for speech and language therapists from Authors to Clinical Educators and Supervisors. J&K Press. ISBN 9781907826061.

Chapters (5)

  • Harding, C.M. (2012). Children with severe learning disabilities. In Kersner, M. and Wright, J.A. (Eds.), Speech and Language Therapy (pp. 183-191). Routledge. ISBN 9780415614078.
  • Harding, C.M. (2009). Intellectual and sensory impairments. In Body, R. and McAllister, L. (Eds.), Ethics in Speech and Language Therapy Wiley. ISBN 9780470058886.
  • Harding, C.M., Luscombe, M. and Bannon, M. (2007). Speech and language disorders and hearing problems. In Bannon, M. and Carter, Y. (Eds.), Practical Paediatric Problems in Primary Care Oxford
  • Harding, C.M. Children with Learning Disabilities. In Hilari, K. (Ed.), The Impact of Communication Disability Across the Lifespan (pp. 61-79). J & K Press. ISBN 9781907826030.
  • Harding, C. Speech and Language Therapy: The decision-making process when working with children. In Kersner, M. and Wright, J. (Eds.), Children with severe learning disabilities (pp. 183-191). Ed Routlelidge, London and New York.

Conference papers and proceedings (26)

  • Morgan, S., Ali, S., Barnett, C., Brown, N., Cooney, P., Ford, H.... Harding, C. (2022). The school dinner hall environment: A qualitative observational study of 5 UK mainstream primary schools. UK Swallowing Research Group Conference 2022 3-4 February, UK, online.
  • Murphy, R. and Harding, C. (2021). Communication development following prematurity. British Association of Neonatal Neurodevelopment Follow Up Study Day 1 October-, Virtual.
  • Harding, C. (2021). Hot Topics 2010 - 2011. RCSLT Neonatal CEN Conference, 2021 30 September-, Online.
  • Harding, C. (2020). The Year in Review, 2019 - 2020: A Summary of Key Neonatal Research - Neonatal Speech and Language Therapists Neonatal Clinical Excellence Network : Hot Topics. Speech and Language Therapists Clinical Excellence Network - Hot Topics Yearly Conference 5 November, On Line.
  • Harding, C. (2020). 8th Annual Joint AHP Neonatal Conference : Supporting infants and families during the COVID-19 pandemic: evolving service approaches for neonatal therapy – Speech & Language Therapy Perspectives. 8th Annual Joint AHP Neonatal Conference 15 October, Webinar.
  • Harding, C. (2019). Neonatal SLT CEN Conference 2019 :Hot Topics in Neonatal SLT 12.6.19 i) Key note: The Year in Review – Current Research ii) Crossley, S-L; Harding, C: “Aren’t they too young for SLT on NICU?” Language and communication outcomes of prematurity and supporting developmental outcomes. Neonatal SLT CEN Conference 2019 12-13 June, City, University of London.
  • Hills, E. (2019). National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT) Conference , Phoenix, Arizona, USA. National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT) Conference 12-13 April, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
  • Harding, C. (2018). 8TH ESSD Pre - Congress, Dublin 2018 : Key note: With Dr. Lenie van den Engel-Hoek. “Paediatric feeding and swallowing assessment : An overview and a reflection on explaining typical population data on feeding, eating and drinking and its relevance to assessment” ii) Premature infant assessment of feeding –With Zelda Greene iii) Premature infant interventions – With Zelda Greene Paediatric SLT. 8TH ESSD Pre - Congress, Dublin 2018 25-26 September, AVIVA Stadium, Dublin.
  • Harding, C. (2018). Neonatal SLT CEN Conference 2018 :Key Note Speaker: The Year in Review: Research Summary. Neonatal SLT CEN Conference 2018 7 June-6 July, City, University of London.
  • (2018). 1st Symposium on Dysphagia organised by SELLE under the auspices of the Hellenic Stroke Organisation ;Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and ESSD. 1st Symposium on Dysphagia organised by SELLE under the auspices of the Hellenic Stroke Organisation ;Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and ESSD. 24 March, Athens.
  • Harding, C. (2018). ESSD Dysphagia Symposium - Athens : 1.Cerebral Palsy & Oral – motor approaches in the management of dysphagia 2.Feeding readiness in premature infants. ESSD Dysphagia Symposium - Athens 23 March.
  • Murphy, R. and Harrison, K. (2017). APCP Neonatal Group Conference. APCP Annual Conference 2017 3-4 November, Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel.
  • Murphy, R., Harrison, K. and Harding, C. (2017). What is the decision making process for SLTs/SLPs in deciding to feed infants on high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC). 4th Annual Study Day for neonatal PT, OT and SLT: Working together in neonataology 28 September.
  • Murphy, R., Harrison, K. and Harding, C. (2017). What is the decision making process for SLTs/SLPs in deciding to feed infants on high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC). RCSLT Conference 2017 27-28 September, Edinburgh.
  • Murphy, R. and Harrison, K. (2017). RCSLT Conference, 2017. Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Conference 2017 27-28 September, Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Glasgow.
  • Harding, C., Van den Engel – Hoek, L., Fichaux – Bourin, P., Hiroknaka, S., Choi, K.H., Jadcherla, S.... Levy, D. (2017). Paediatric dysphagia : mechanisms and solutions. European Society for Swallowing Disorders (ESSD) and World Dysphagia Summit 2017 21-23 September, Barcelona.
  • Harding, C. (2016). Tube Weaning in Children: 6th ESSD Congress - Deglutology : From Science to Clinical Practice. Milan (Italy), 13th - 15th October, 2016. 6th ESSD Congress - Deglutology : From Science to Clinical Practice. Milan (Italy), 13th - 15th October, 2016 13-15 October, Milan University.
  • Harding, C., Levin, A., Mynard, A., Wyles, K. and Cane, C. (2016). Oral Readiness in Preterm Infants. Poster presentation: 6th ESSD Congress - Deglutology : From Science to Clinical Practice. Milan (Italy), 13th - 15th October, 2016. 6th ESSD Congress - Deglutology : From Science to Clinical Practice. Milan (Italy), 13th - 15th October, 2016 13-15 October, University of Milan.
  • Harding, C.M. and Cocks, N. (2010). Developing more Speech and language therapy student dysphagia experiences and placements in partnership with practicing clinicians. City University: Clinical Education Conference 2 September-, 31/08/10.
  • Harding, C.M. and Cocks, N. (2010). Developing more speech and language therapy student dysphagia experiences and placements in partnership with practicing clinicians. City University: Teaching and Learning Conference June-, London.
  • Harding, C.M. and Halai, V. (2010). Providing Dysphagia Training for Carers of Children who have profound and Multiple Learning Disabilties. UK SRG Conference London.
  • Harding, C.M., Faiman, A. and Wright, J. (2010). A pilot project to evaluate an intensive desensitisation, oral tolerance therapy and hunger provocation programme for children who have had prolonged tube feeds. UK SRG Conference London.
  • Harding, C.M., Lindsay, G., O'Brien, A., Dipper, L. and Wright, J. (2010). Implementing AAC with children with PMLD: A study in rationale underpinning intervention. ISAAC Conference Barcelona.
  • Harding, C.M. (2008). Using service users with learning disabilities to train speech and language therapy students. The London SoTL 7th International Conference May-, London.
  • Harding, C.M. (2008). The use of non-nutritive sucking to promote functional sucking skills in premature infants: an exploratory trial. UK Swallow Research Group February-, Manchester Conference Centre.
  • Harding, C.M., Geraint-Hughes, R. and Goregam, C. (2007). Using carers of people with disabilities to teach students. HEA Conference July-, Harrogate.

Journal articles (75)

Posters (3)

Practitioners (2)

  • (2023). New Staffing Recommendations for Neonatal Units. RCSLT Position Paper
  • (2023). Speech and Language Therapy in Neonatal Care: Feeding and Non-Invasive Respiratory Support. RCSLT Position Paper

Report

  • Beavon, N., Coetzee, L., Griffith, R., Hallows, J., Harding, C., Howseman, T.... Wright, D. Guidelines for the identification and management of dysphagia in adults with learning disability : Prepared by Vital Health Communications For Rosemont Pharmaceuticals..

Thesis/dissertation

Other

  • Whiting, L., Harding, C. and Petty, J. The reality of research: Seeking ethical approval.

Professional activities

Editorial activity (2)

  • Infant Journal, Editorial advisory board member, September 2016 - present.
  • Tizard Learning Disability Journal, Editorial board member.

Events/conferences (31)

  • RCSLT Neonatal CEN Conference. (Conference) London (On line) (2022).
    Paper: The Year in Review
    Author: Harding, C.
  • RCSLT Conference 2021. (Conference) On line: UK (2021).
    Paper: Feeding interventions for neonatal brain injury: Use of the JBI Approach to Evidence Synthesis.
    Author: Edney, S.
    Co-authors: Saunders, S., Harding, C.
  • 8th UK Swallowing Research Group Conference. (Conference) ICH, London, UK (2020).
    Paper: Short Term Feeding Outcomes Among Neonates with Brain Injury. (Poster)
    Author: Edney, S.
    Co-authors: Basu, A; Harding, C; Pennington, L.
  • National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT) Conference. (Conference) Phoenix, Arizona, USA. (2019). Invited speaker.
    Paper: Seen and Not Heard : A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Implementing Non – Pharmacological Strategies to Manage Pain and Stress for Neonates.
    Co-authors: Harding, C.; Hills, E.
  • 1st Symposium on Dysphagia. (Conference) Athens, Greece (2018).
    Paper: Premature Infant Feeding: Approaches in Management, challenges and potential future directions
    Description: Organised by SELLE under the auspices of the Hellenic Stroke Organization; Hellenic Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology , Hepatology and Nutrition and ESSD.
  • 1st Symposium on Dysphagia. Athens, Greece (2018).
    Paper: Cerebral palsy : A reflection on oral motor approaches to the management of feeding
    Description: Organised by SELLE under the auspices of the Hellenic Stroke Organization; Hellenic Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology , Hepatology and Nutrition and ESSD.
  • 7th UK Swallowing Research Group Conference. (Conference) London, United Kingdom (2018).
    Paper: Poster Presentation: A survey of UK Special School Speech & Language Therapists (SLT) and school staff regarding the use of mealtime mats to provide eating and drinking guidelines.
    Author: Morgan, S.
    Co-authors: Drury, C.; Thomas, C.; Harding, C.
  • NENC Neurodevelopmental Network Meeting. (Conference) Homerton University Hospital (2017). Invited speaker.
    Paper: Identification of feeding and communication difficulties within the preterm population
    Co-authors: Crossley, SL
  • Determining Oral Readiness in Preterm Infants: Preliminary Results (Harding; Mynard; Cane; Wyles; Hills; Levin). Milan (2016).
    Description: ESSD Conference 2016
  • Non-nutritive sucking: is it effective? Kingsway Hall Hotel, London WC2B 5BX (2015).
    Description: Invited speaker at the APCP, OT and SLT Neonatal Group Joint Study Day - Research to Practice.
  • Rehabilitating dysphagia in children: Current evidence and directions for research. Walshe M., Harding C. Brussels (2014).
    Description: Presentation
  • Parental and professional perceptions of the role of videofluoroscopy in the management of children with neurodisability and feeding disabilities . Cockerill H; Harding C; Craig G. European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD) Annual Conference 2013 (2013).
    Description: Poster presentation
  • Current issues in paediatric dysphagia – invited seminar presenter. Trinity College, Dublin (2013).
  • Position Statement: Paediatric Dysphagia. Fichaux-Bourin P; Harding C; Walshe M; Woisard V. Malmo, Sweden (2013).
    Description: ESSD Conference. Dysphagia Diagnosis and Treatment: A multi-disciplinary Challenge. 3rd Congress
  • A randomised controlled study to determine the effectiveness of non-nutritive sucking as a tool for enabling effective transition to full oral feeding. City University London (2013).
    Description: Annual Doctoral Conference
  • Dysphagia, aetiology, causes and concerns. London (2011).
    Description: Dysphagia in the elderly and adults with intellectual disabilities Primary Care Focus Group
  • Dysphagia management for children: Is it effective? A reflection of current practice. Leiden (2011).
    Description: European Society of Swallowing Disorders (formerly the EGDG)
  • A Survey into current practice and provision provided by Speech and Language Therapists in the South-East of England. Sorrento, Italy (2011).
    Description: 44th Annual Meeting of ESPGHAN (Presented by Hannah Leniston).
  • Behavioural Feeding Difficulties in Children: A Survey into current practice and provision provided by Speech and Language Therapists in the South-East of England (Presentation and poster) Leniston H; Feint G, Cockerill H & Harding C. Sorrento, Italy (2011).
    Description: 44th Annual Meeting of ESPGHAN
  • Developing more speech and language therapy student dysphagia experiences and placements in partnership with practising clinicians. Prato, Tuscany (2011).
    Description: 4th International Clinical Skills Conference
  • Developing more Speech and language therapy student dysphagia experiences and placements in partnership with practicing clinicians. City University London (2010).
    Description: Clinical Education Conference
  • Developing more Speech and language therapy student dysphagia experiences and placements in partnership with practicing clinicians. City University, London (2010).
    Description: Teaching and Learning Conference.
  • Implementing AAC with children with PMLD: A study in rationale underpinning intervention. Barcelona (2010).
    Description: ISAAC Conference
  • A pilot project to evaluate an intensive desensitisation, oral tolerance therapy and hunger provocation programme for children who have had prolonged tube feeds. UCL/Institute of Child Health, London (2010).
    Description: Conference on Feeding and Eating in Infancy and Early Childhood
  • Providing Dysphagia Training for Carers of Children who have profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities. Institute of Child Health, London (2010).
    Description: UK SRG Conference
  • A pilot project to evaluate an intensive desensitisation, oral tolerance therapy and hunger provocation programme for children who have had prolonged tube feeds. Institutue of Child Health, London (2010).
    Description: UK Swallow Reserach Group
  • Using service users with learning disabilities to train speech and language therapy students. The London SoTL 7th International Conference (2008).
  • The use of non-nutritive sucking to promote functional sucking skills in premature infants: an exploratory trial. Manchester Conference Centre (2008).
    Description: UK Swallow Research Group
  • Using carers of people with disabilities to teach students. HEA Conference, Harrogate (2007).
  • Peer learning skills for those with learning disabilities through teaching students. NZ-Speech-Language therapists’ Association Biennial Conference, Christchurch, NZ (2006).
  • Non-nutritive sucking. NZ-Speech-Language therapists’ Association Biennial Conference (2006).

Keynote lectures/speeches (6)

  • The Year in Review – Current Research ii. "Isn't it too early for SLT on NICU?" Language and communication outcomes of preterm infants. City, University of London (2019). Neonatal Hot Topics in Neonatal SLT. With Siew-Lian Crossley, SLT Homerton Hospital
  • 8th European Society for Swallowing Disorders Pre-Congress. Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland (2018). i. Key note : With Dr. Lenie van den Engel-Hoek. “Paediatric feeding and swallowing assessment : An overview and a reflection on explaining typical population data on feeding, eating and drinking and its relevance to assessment” ii. Premature infant assessment of feeding –With Zelda Greene iii. Premature infant interventions – With Zelda Greene
  • Neonatal Hot Topics in Neonatal SLT. City, University of London (2018). i. Key note: With Annie Aloysius. The Year in Review – Current Research ii. Identification of Infant Oral Readiness Signs.
  • Premature infant feeding : Approaches in management, challenges and potential future directions. ESSD (2017). Webinar on premature infant feeding with Dr. Lenie van den Engel-Hoek & Sandra de Groot, , Department of Rehabilitation Amalia’s children’s Hospital , Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
  • Tube Weaning in Children. Milan (2016). ESSD Conference 2016
  • Dysphagia management for children: Is it effective? A reflection of current practice. Leiden, Holland (2012). European Society of Swallowing Disorders (formerly the EGDG

Online article

Other

  • Advisor on Complex Learning Disabilities )paediatrics) and Paediatric Dysphagia for the RCSLT. .