Feeding Disorders Flashcards
Some of the most common medical diagnoses associated with feeding dysfunction:
prematurity
neuromuscular abnormalities
structural malformations (such as cleft lip &/or palate)
gastrointestinal conditions
visual impairments
tracheostomies
Children develop difficulties with feeding, eating, &/or swallowing as a result of
medical, oral sensorimotor, & behavioral factors, either alone or in combination.
high prevalence of feeding difficulties w/ Sensory, motor, or behavioral challenges influence the child’s food preferences and willingness to eat.
ASD dx
Children with developmental disabilities may fail to meet basic nutritional needs because of ….
delayed or deficient oral motor and self-feeding skills.
Oral motor dysfunction causing poor nutrition is strongly associated with…
poor growth and adverse health outcomes.
Food refusal &/or food selectivity can relate to….
anxiety
hypersensitivities
behavioral rigidity or need for routine
behavioral dysregulation
A child who has frequent or chronic vomiting after feeding may be diagnosed with
GERD
not uncommon, and most babies spit up on an occasional basis as their gastrointestinal system matures
Not harmful to the baby
No adverse effects on feeding or growth should be identified
Infant will outgrow these symptoms w/ gaining postural control and stability and maturation of the gastrointestinal system.
Reflux
becomes problematic when chronic spitting up and vomiting leads to problems with the infant’s or child’s health, ability to eat successfully, and poor growth or inadequate weight gain.
GERD
common medical condition that can influence a child’s success with feeding
may create significant discomfort, resulting in a negative experience associated with eating
may cause esophagitis, vomiting, skin rash, itchiness, pain, breathing difficulties, &/or discomfort during eating, contributing to the child’s unwillingness to eat and subsequent negative behavior
Food allergies
Some of the most common food allergies:
milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts
Enteral feeding support can be delivered via
nasogastric
gastrostomy
orogastric tubes
Prerequisites for eating and drinking
Intact oral structures and cranial nerves
Anatomic structures of the mouth and throat change significantly during
the first 12 months of life
Children with that commonly exhibit oral hypersensitivity:
Developmental and neurological conditions
Autism
Pervasive developmental disorders
Cerebral palsy
TBI
Genetic conditions
Sensory processing disorders
Children with oral hypersensitivity
often react negatively to touch near or within the mouth.
may turn away from feeding or tooth brushing activities, restrict food variety, gag frequently, or have difficulty transitioning to age-appropriate food textures
also common in children who have received extensive medical interventions
Children diagnosed with generalized tactile defensiveness
Medical interventions:
Endotracheal intubation
Orogastric or nasogastric tube feeding
Tracheostomy
Frequent oral suctioning may have caused ongoing distress, gagging, or pain, affecting the development of the sensory system
Children may tolerate greater sensory input if the activity is
under the child’s control and provided in the context of a motivating, developmentally appropriate play activity
Children with GERD, constipation, or food allergies may feel uncomfortable when eating and develop what as result?
food refusal behaviors as a result
Children who gag with textured foods or refuse cup drinking:
Inadequate sensory or motor skills
Behavioral issues that Children with ASD may exhibit:
selective eating or refuse to try new foods
given their propensity for rigid and repetitive behaviors and olfactory , gustatory, &/or tactile sensitivities.
