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ERIC Number: EJ852411
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0968-7912
EISSN: N/A
Parental Experiences of Feeding Problems in Their Infants with Down Syndrome
Lewis, Eilene; Kritzinger, Alta
Down Syndrome Research and Practice, v9 n2 p45-52 2004
Although feeding difficulties in infants with Down syndrome are described in the literature, the experiences of parents regarding the feeding problems of their infants are largely omitted. In order to promote closer collaboration with families and speech-language therapists in early communication intervention, the study investigated some experiences of a group of parents concerning the feeding problems of their infants with Down syndrome. A descriptive survey approach was implemented to collect quantitative data. The results revealed the type of feeding problems and associated conditions occurring in the infants of the twenty participants; the type of feeding methods used; the assistance received during the feeding problems; the emotions experienced in relation to the feeding problems in their infants as well as suggestions made by the participants regarding the management of early feeding problems. Numerous feeding problems occurred in the infants and the variety of emotions experienced by the participants indicated that feeding therapy and counseling were required. As a result of the different conditions underlying the feeding problems of the participants' infants, a comprehensive approach, which included therapeutic and medical intervention, was necessary. In order to provide effective early communication intervention services from birth, the results indicated that the knowledge, skills and sensitivity of speech language therapists to identify caregiver needs, to provide appropriate family-focused intervention and to make recommendations regarding the management of feeding problems in infants with Down syndrome is of great importance. (Contains 3 figures.)
Down Syndrome Education International. The Sarah Duffen Centre, Belmont Street, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 1NA, UK. Tel: +44-023-9285-5330; Fax: +44-023-9285-5320; e-mail: enquiries@downsed.org; Website: http://www.downsed.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A