Down Syndrome Links
• Down Syndrome Network
  • http://www.dsnetworkaz.org/
• Sharing Down Syndrome
  • http://sharingds.org

Down Syndrome Reading
• Fine Motor Skills for Children With Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents And Professionals
  by Maryanne Bruni, BSc OT
• Babies With Down Syndrome: A New Parent’s Guide
  by Karen Stray-Gundersen
• Gross Motor Skills in Children With Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
  by Patricia C. Winders, PT

What is Dysphagia? Dysphagia refers to difficulty in swallowing. Symptoms include:

* Child refusing food or avoids food that requires chewing

* Food spills out of mouth

* Food remains in cheeks

* Child claims that the food  ” Gets stuck” or “Won’t go down”

* Coughing, gagging or chewing during or after a swallow

* Nasal regurgitation

* Respiratiory changes

* Drooling

* Excessive decreations

* Frequent/ Recurrent pneumonia

If your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult a Feeding Specialist. Your physician may recommend a Modified Barium Swallow Study.

What is Food Aversion? A child you exhibits food aversions may be characterized as one who only eats specific food items. The food may be similiar in:

1. Color

2. Texture

3. Taste (salty, sweet, sour)

Food Aversion and Acid Reflux, is there a connection? YES!!! Reflux may be the starting point for the aversion. Espophagitis will impact the desire to eat. Managing the reflux is KEY.

VERY IMPORTANT FACT: Force feeding a child NEVER WORKS.

For further information regarding Dysphagia or Food Aversion, please contact one of our Feeding Specialists at 602-547-6996 for an appointment.