EFFECT OF POSITION AND SUPPORT ON ORAL-MOTOR SKILLS OF A CHILD WITH BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA

The effects of position (upright vs reclining) and support (held vs ch air) on the development and maintenance of feeding behavior were exami ned in a child with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and gastroesophageal re flux. h reclining position initially facilitated acceptance and swallo wing with relatively rapid generalization to an upright position. Oral -motor skills did not differ across levels of support. Practice of eme rging motor skills preceded increases in vomiting, as TL ell as episod es of respiratory distress. This study illustrates a methodology that can be employed to elucidate complex interrelationships among oral-mot or skills, gross motor skills and functioning, and symptoms of gastroe sophageal reflux.