A common challenge faced by children with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) is dysphagia. Dysphagia, the medical term for swallowing difficulties, can have a significant impact on a child’s overall health and well-being, and their quality of life. When it comes to managing swallowing difficulties, different types of health professionals play an integral part in understanding and addressing the individual needs of these children. Here is a short guide that explores the relationship between swallowing difficulties and children with autism to offer insight into how health professionals can offer adequate care and advice.
Understanding How Dysphagia Manifests in Children with Autism
Children with autism spectrum disorder can have a variety of motor coordination difficulties and sensory sensitivities. These difficulties and sensitivities can have an effect on how a child chews and manipulates food and how they cope with the swallowing process. Here are three common ways dysphagia in this population can manifest itself.
Sensory Challenges
Kids with autism may have an aversion to certain temperatures, tastes, and textures. This aversion can make it hard for them to swallow or even tolerate certain food items. In turn, this can result in limited choices of food and a potential deficiency in certain nutrients.
Oral Motor Deficits
Oral motor coordination difficulties have been observed in children with ASD. These difficulties can include weak swallowing muscles, reduced lip closure, and poor control of the tongue. Challenges like these can impede the efficient and safe movement of food and drink through the mouth and into the esophagus.
Gastrointestinal Problems
A higher prevalence of gastrointestinal issues has been observed in kids with autism spectrum disorder. These issues include constipation and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gastrointestinal conditions can complicate difficulties with feeding and exacerbate existing dysphagia symptoms.
The Role of Health Professionals in Helping Children Manage Dysphagia
There are a variety of medical and healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in assessing and managing swallowing difficulties in children with autism. They can include pediatricians, nutritionists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists. These health professionals use different strategies to support their patients.
Thorough Evaluation
A comprehensive assessment of the swallowing function, oral motor skills, sensory sensitivities, and overall nutritional status of the child is essential. This evaluation should take into account the specific challenges related to autism and dysphagia of the child.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
A collaborative approach from all the healthcare professionals involved with the child’s health is vital in developing a tailored treatment plan. Interdisciplinary collaboration ensures that the unique needs of the child are addressed. For instance, a nutritionist can recommend thickening products, such as the Simply Thick thickener for food and drinks. These types of products can help make consumption easier. On the other hand, a speech-language pathologist can help the child strengthen their swallowing muscles by teaching them exercises.
Establishing Consistent Routines
Environmental modifications, such as establishing consistent routines, can benefit children with dysphagia and autism. Visual support aids and identifying and removing distractions can also help children during mealtimes.
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