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Dysphagia in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review
Chase Hintelmann1, Sharwani Kota1, Pamela Hargwood2
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School New Brunswick New Jersey USA.
Summary
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience dysphagia, particularly affecting the oral phase of swallowing. More research is needed on oropharyngeal and esophageal phases and the role of otolaryngologists in ASD-related swallowing difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Dysphagia, or swallowing difficulties, affects multiple phases: oral preparatory, oral transit, oropharyngeal, and esophageal.
- Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit a higher prevalence of dysphagia compared to neurotypical children.
- Understanding the specific swallowing phases impacted in ASD is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the swallowing phases most affected in children with ASD.
- To review the existing literature on dysphagia in ASD.
- To emphasize the otolaryngologist's role in evaluating and managing dysphagia in this population.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, APA PsycInfo, and Google Scholar.
- Studies published between January 2003 and September 2024 evaluating dysphagia in ASD children were included.
- Rigorous screening by multiple reviewers ensured study quality and relevance.
Main Results:
- Of 637 unique abstracts, 20 articles were included in the review.
- The oral phase of swallowing was the most frequently evaluated (95%), with common issues including food selectivity, oromotor impairment, and oral hypersensitivity.
- Oropharyngeal and esophageal phases were less frequently studied (30% and 40%, respectively).
- Otolaryngology (ENT)-specific symptoms like drooling and nasal congestion were reported in only 15% of studies.
Conclusions:
- Oral phase dysphagia is prevalent in children with ASD, but data on oropharyngeal and esophageal phases remain limited.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate ENT-specific symptoms associated with dysphagia in ASD.
- Otolaryngologists are vital in diagnosing and treating anatomical abnormalities contributing to dysphagia in ASD children.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...