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Impaired development of oral-motor functions required for normal oral feeding as a consequence of tube feeding during
1Callier Center for Communication Disorders, University of Texas, Dallas.
Insights
Children receiving tube feedings in their first two years are at risk for impaired oral-motor development. Early oral stimulation and training are crucial for a successful transition to oral feeding.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric feeding therapy
- Developmental pediatrics
- Speech-language pathology
Background:
- Tube feeding in early childhood can impede the development of normal oral-motor skills.
- Impaired oral-motor patterns can affect the bite-chew-suck-swallow sequence.
- A lack of oral-motor development can hinder a child's ability to transition to oral feeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the risks associated with tube feeding in early development.
- To emphasize the importance of oral sensitization for tube-fed children.
- To advocate for early intervention in oral-motor development for tube-fed infants and toddlers.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pediatric feeding disorders.
- Analysis of developmental milestones in oral-motor function.
- Case study considerations for children undergoing tube feeding.
Main Results:
- Children reliant on tube feeding may exhibit delayed or atypical oral-motor development.
- Oral sensitization is a foundational element for building trust in the oral mechanism.
- Coordinated oral movements for feeding are essential for development.
Conclusions:
- An ongoing program of oral stimulation, training, and development is vital for tube-fed children.
- Early and consistent intervention can facilitate a smoother transition to oral feeding.
- Addressing oral-motor deficits is a key component in the comprehensive management of tube-fed children.
Abstract:
The child who is tube fed during the first two years of life is at risk for impaired development of normal oral-motor patterns and coordination during feeding. In order to ensure as smooth a transition to oral feeding as possible, it is necessary to provide the tube-fed child with a framework of normal oral sensitization from which he can develop the level of trust in his own oral mechanism required to achieve the mature, coordinated oral movements essential to development of the normal bite-chew-suck-swallow sequence. While this can be a tedious and taxing process, an ongoing program of oral stimulation, training and development should be included in the overall management of every young child receiving tube feedings.