Impact of oral dysfunctions on feeding development in children with Down syndrome

A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: Feeding is essential for child growth, although in children with Down syndrome it may be hindered by anatomical, motor, and sensory changes that compromise sucking, chewing, and swallowing. These difficulties affect nutritional status, speech development, and quality of life. The lack of standardized protocols underscores the need for studies to guide effective interventions. Objective: To analyze the scientific literature on the impact of oral dysfunctions on the feeding development of children with Down syndrome. Method: This scoping review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The search was performed in PubMed, SciELO, Embase, Scopus, Virtual Health Library, and Google Scholar databases. A total of 214 studies were identified, of which 38 were excluded as duplicates. After screening titles and abstracts, 87 articles were read in full, and four were included. A search of gray literature identified 210 studies, of which only one met the inclusion criteria. The final sample comprised five studies. Results: All studies were conducted in Brazil and published in Portuguese, and included one clinical study, two literature reviews, and two case studies. Conclusion: Oral dysfunctions affect the feeding development of children with Down syndrome, delaying the transition to solid foods and compromising nutrition and quality of life. Early and continuous speech therapy intervention is essential to minimize these difficulties and promote functional advances in feeding.