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An Observational Study of Adults with Down Syndrome Eating Independently

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Abstract

This study examined the oral feeding in a group of adults with Down syndrome. None of the 23 participants in the study had reported oral feeding difficulties, and all independently ate a full oral diet (food and liquids). Observations were made during the consumption of one meal and one drink. The eating and drinking behaviours observed included eating rate and ability to keep food in the mouth, and these were considered in conjunction with oral and pharyngeal phase skills and difficulties. Coughing, an overt sign of possible aspiration with its attendant risk of upper respiratory tract infection, was seen in 56.5 % of participants. In addition, several of the observed oral feeding behaviours of this group of individuals may be socially unacceptable and therefore likely to compromise quality of life. A number of behaviours with implications for both health and quality of life may be amenable to simple behaviour modification or to changes to the environment. Further study into the causes of these oral feeding difficulties, their implications for social integration, and their potential remediation is required.

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Acknowledgments

Many thanks to the participants, staff, and parents at Bishan Home for the Intellectually Disabled, TOUCH Centre for Independent Living, Christian Outreach to the Handicapped, Metta Welfare Association, and the Down Syndrome Association. Also thanks to Caroline Newton, Rachel Rees, Janette Mathieson, Yujun Lim, Makeda Jobson, Adibah Asri, and Shihao Chong. Thanks also to the reviewers for their perceptive and helpful feedback.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Language and Communication, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, Chandler House, 2 Wakefield Street, London, WC1N 1PF, UK

    Christina H. Smith

  2. Department of Speech Therapy, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore

    Yafen Teo

  3. Developmental Science, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK

    Sarah Simpson

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  1. Christina H. Smith
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  2. Yafen Teo
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  3. Sarah Simpson
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Correspondence to Christina H. Smith.

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Smith, C.H., Teo, Y. & Simpson, S. An Observational Study of Adults with Down Syndrome Eating Independently. Dysphagia 29, 52–60 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-013-9479-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-013-9479-4

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