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Published on: January 11, 2016
A proposed multidisciplinary approach for identifying feeding abnormalities in children with cerebral palsy
Amelia Santoro1, Maria Bianca Dasso Lang, Elena Moretti
1Department of Neuroscience, Otorhinolaryngology Division 1, University of Pisa and Cisanello Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
Insights
Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities often face feeding challenges due to oral motor dysfunction. A multidisciplinary assessment can identify dysphagia indicators and guide personalized interventions for improved nutrition and health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Neurology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Neurodevelopmental disabilities frequently cause oral motor dysfunction in children.
- This dysfunction leads to significant feeding difficulties, aspiration risk, prolonged mealtimes, and malnutrition.
- These issues can result in considerable physical compromise for affected children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and evaluate a comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment for feeding impairment in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
- To identify clinical indicators and assess the severity of feeding problems.
- To establish personalized intervention programs.
Main Methods:
- A multidisciplinary assessment including neurological, dysphagia, and ear, nose, and throat examinations was employed.
- A representative sample of 40 children with cerebral palsy (spastic, dyskinetic, or mixed), intellectual disability, and feeding problems was studied.
- Standardized mealtime observations were conducted.
Main Results:
- The multidisciplinary evaluation and standardized mealtime observation were found to be feasible and appropriate.
- The assessment effectively identified proactive indicators of dysphagia.
- The approach allows for the establishment of personalized gastric and rehabilitative intervention programs.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach is effective for evaluating feeding impairment in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
- This assessment aids in recognizing early signs of dysphagia.
- Personalized intervention plans can be developed to address the complex needs of these children.
Abstract:
Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, frequently have associated oral motor dysfunction, which leads to feeding difficulties, risk of aspiration, prolonged feeding times, and malnutrition with its attendant physical compromise. The authors propose a comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment, including neurological and dysphagia examination and ear, nose, and throat examination, to evaluate clinical indicators and severity of feeding impairment in children affected by neurodevelopmental disorders. A representative sample of 40 children with cerebral palsy (spastic, dyskinetic, or mixed), intellectual disability, and feeding problems was included in the study. A specific multidisciplinary evaluation and standardized mealtime observation in patients with cerebral palsy appear feasible and appropriate to recognize proactive indicators of dysphagia and to establish personalized programs of gastric and rehabilitative interventions.
