Feeding (and difficulty swallowing)
Is it common for children with CdLS to demonstrate dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) as they get older? Do feeding/swallowing issues occur in children with CdLS?
With regard to your concerns, usually the feeding difficulties in children with CdLS are a result of immature feeding/swallowing patterns, a result of adverse reactions associated with GERD, or an adverse reaction to oral feeding following a period of non-oral feeding. The longer there is no food by mouth often the greater the negative reaction.
My experience has been that dysphagia does not increase as children with CdLS age, unless it is associated with a negative reaction to GERD or lack of oral feeding. More typically, once GERD is under control, children with CdLS who are oral feeders improve in oral feeding (or at least do not regress). Also, the nature of the feeding issues in children with CdLS is similar to other children who have had a history of GERD or non-oral feeding.
CC/TK 7-13-10
Legal Disclaimer: Please take note that the CdLS Foundation’s Ask the Expert service is comprised of volunteer professionals in various areas of focus. Response times may vary and a response is not guaranteed. Answers are not considered a medical, behavioral, or educational consultation. Ask the Expert is not a substitute for the care and attention your child’s personal physician, psychologist, educational consultant, or social worker can deliver.