ERIC Number: EJ1487669
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Sep
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-2322
EISSN: EISSN-1468-3148
Available Date: 2025-09-25
Feeding Challenges in Children with Down Syndrome: The Role of Aspiration and Clinical Subgroups
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, v38 n5 e70130 2025
Background: Feeding difficulties, including aspiration risk, are common in children with Down syndrome. Identifying factors affecting feeding modality is crucial. Method: This cross-sectional study included 335 children with Down syndrome (aged 4-12 years; mean 5.2). Feeding was assessed using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), the Screening Tool of Feeding Problems (STEP), and clinical observation. Aspiration risk was identified through STEP items and clinician evaluation. FOIS scores categorised feeding as oral or non-oral. Results: Of participants, 74.1% were oral feeders and 25.9% received non-oral nutrition. Aspiration risk was present in 33.7%. Cluster analysis revealed distinct subgroups defined by aspiration, oral sensory issues, and behavioural problems. Younger age was significantly associated with higher aspiration risk (OR = 0.38, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Aspiration risk influences feeding modality and subgroup characteristics. Early multidisciplinary assessment is essential, especially for younger children, to detect risk and guide safe, individualised feeding strategies.
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey; 2Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey; 3Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey; 4Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Park Bahcelievler Hospital, Altinbas University, Istanbul, Turkey

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