Feeding Challenges in Children With Down Syndrome: The Role of Aspiration and Clinical Subgroups

This cross-sectional study of 335 children with Down syndrome (ages 4-12) examined feeding difficulties and aspiration risk using validated clinical tools, finding that 74% were oral feeders while 26% required non-oral nutrition, with aspiration risk present in 34% of participants. Results identified distinct clinical subgroups characterized by aspiration risk, oral sensory issues, and behavioral problems, with younger children showing significantly higher aspiration risk, supporting the need for early multidisciplinary assessment to guide safe, individualized feeding strategies.