Nursing, bottle feeding, and/or starting solids for a little one with Down syndrome can be a challenging experience for caregivers. These challenges can result in the caregivers feeling heartbreak and fear that they are not doing “enough.” However, the challenges the caregivers and little ones are encountering are due to underlying comorbid medical diagnoses such as congenital craniofacial conditions, cardiopulmonary and/or gastrointestinal conditions, or a dual diagnosis of celiac disease and/or autism spectrum disorder. While some of these conditions are identified at birth, others may go undiagnosed for years, creating a barrier to a successful mealtime for the child and their caregiver(s). By seeking out pediatric feeding therapy from a speech-language pathologist who engages in interprofessional practice, the little ones with Down syndrome and their caregivers can be set for success on their healing journey. Learn more about potential underlying medical conditions that can result in a pediatric feeding and/or swallowing disorder, the interprofessional practice partners that can collaborate in their care, and how to help the caregiver-child-dyad always choose joy through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming intervention plan.
